iPad Learning...

We are lucky to have 20 new iPads at Dougall.  We were one of the first classes to use them, and the students have been having a lot of fun learning how to use them.  We are currently learning how to use the program called Explain Everything.  We have been working in partners to learn how to create different slides using different tools on the screen.  We have also learned how to "mirror" our iPads, which means we can show our work up on the SmartBoard so the entire class can see our work.  Once we are more comfortable with the program, we will be using Explain Everything share our learning about different topics.  We can't wait!

100 Days Smarter

(My apologies - due to some technical difficulties, this post is much delayed.)

We had a wonderful time celebrating the 100th day of school in February.  We started counting school days on the first day of school in September.  Back then, it seemed so far away.  We've had such a fun and exciting year, we couldn't believe the 100th day came so quickly.  We did many wonderful activities, all focused on the number 100.  Take a peek at our 100th day...

We ate some "100" snacks...

The students created special 100 day hats to wear...

On the SMARTBoard - we read 100 words...

Even our DPA (Daily Physical Activity) time focused on the number 100.  Please forgive the blurry photos. The students were moving, dancing and jumping so fast, they were a blur! :)

When the students returned from lunch, they noticed some chocolate hearts hiding around the classroom.  They had the challenge of finding, and then sequencing all 100 hearts.

The students did a great job.  Only heart 28 was not found (we are still looking for it!) :)

Lucas helped us enjoy a 100 day poem he had at home!

The students had a lot of fun and learned a lot as well.  We can't wait to see what fun lies ahead for the rest of the school year!

The Big Show...

We had our last visit with Mr. Romaine on Tuesday.  The puppets were ready to go and the students had practiced their presentation with their partner.  Mr. Romaine showed us how to use the overhead projector to produce stage lighting.  He also provided some music on the ukulele to introduce each play.  Then, we were off.  Take a peek at some of our puppets in action.

A doctor and a taxi driver...

A chef and a crossing guard...

A peek "backstage"...

A firefighter and a dentist...

When all students had a chance to preform, Mr. Romaine and Wiarton Willy asked the students some great questions to solidify all the learning they had done about community helpers.  We were all big fans of Wiarton Willy...

Thank you Mr. Romaine for teaching us about community helpers, puppets, preforming for an audience, but most of all reminding us why we ALL should strive to help others in our community.

LTTA - Becoming Puppeteers...

Mr. Romain was back today for our latest session of Learning Through The Arts.  Our puppets are almost complete (a few details to be added this week), so the students wrote a small introduction for their community helper.  We played some games and sang some songs that helped us to get to know all the community helpers better.  Mr. Romaine even played the ukulele for us!

Next, it was time  to learn how to use the puppets to preform, and to share the information the students have learned about community helpers.  Mr. Romaine gave us some great tips.  The students learned to sit "shoulder to shoulder", so the puppets always face the audience.  They learned that the puppet who is "talking" is the puppet who is also "moving" - to help the audience better understand the presentation.  The students worked with a partner, and practiced the script they had written earlier.

When Mr. Romaine visits next week, the students will be putting on puppet shows with their partner.  Today, each team had a chance to try out the puppet stage Mr. Romaine brought for us to use.  The students enjoyed learning about puppet placement, movement and using their voices to share with an audience.

Mr. Romaine will be back next week for our last session together.  Before he arrives, the students will have a chance to finish their puppets, and practice the play they will perform for the class.  They are very excited!  Ask your child what community helper they chose for their puppet, and how that community helper helps those in the community.