Inquiry and Experimentation at Work

The kinder kids had a blast experimenting with baking soda and vinegar this week.  It was interesting to listen to their predictions of what they thought was going to happening, listening to their exclamations of delight and their observations of what was occurring as the baking soda (a base) reacted to the vinegar (an acid).  It was also interesting to note their theories on why it happened and what it reminded them of (personal connections). 

A simple experiment like this helps the students learn through the inquiry and experimentation process (hypothesis, prediction, method of doing, observation, reflection and connections to real life and then trying the experiment again with a twist.  In our case, we used glitter). 

Note:  The glitter was the kinder kids way of "blinging" up our fun.  It looked neat, but did not affect the chemical reaction as they thought it might.  It was also interesting to note what happened to the glitter during the chemical reaction.  It collected into the bubbles and stayed trapped there until the bubbles burst.

Osler has such a BIG Heart!

I am overwhelmed by the support of the Sir William Osler Public School community! A spark of an idea from last weekend by several teachers, turned into a huge school community project with our "Baskets for Madi" Fundraiser.

Our school community donated enough items to create 25 gift baskets for the Silent Auction event to help Madi and her family in the quest to afford the life-changing medicine that will dramatically improve the quality of and extend the life of Madison and her health!

THANK YOU to all of you! I am greatly touched by your caring and generous spirit. I know that Madison and her family are also touched and are truly grateful for your support!

Just some of the beautiful baskets created:

A Visit from a Police Officer

The kindies were treated with a visit from Officer Elizabeth today. She came to play with us this morning and then explained the procedures and reasons behind our "Lock Down" practices. The kids were excited to meet her, greet her, and play bubbles with her. They were attentive and are eager to practice our Lock Down procedure so we can trick Officer Elizabeth into thinking we're not in our classroom but are playing "Hide and Seek" with her.

We survived the 1st week back to school!!

Well.....we all survived our first week back to school.  I don't know about the kids, but I know Mrs. Melo and I are tired!  Time to rest up over the weekend and back in action on Monday.

The kindies had a blast this week exploring aqua sand experiments, play centers, literacy centers, patterning, sorting, measuring and counting in math, playing outside in the yard and exploring the properties of bubbles.

Our Senior Kindergartens are reminded that they need to be good role models for the younger Junior Kindergartens who are slowly learning our routines and classroom/school rules. 

It's going to be a great year!!!