Meaningful Silence...

Friday was a very special and meaningful day in our classroom - one I will truly never forget.  As a school, Dougall decided to become a part of Free the Children's Day of Silence.  Free the Children is an organization that encourages and empowers children in North America to participate in activities that will help to improve the lives of fellow children around the world.  Many of our students raised pledges and we all agreed to take a Vow of Silence for 120 minutes on Friday.  

As a class, we were excited for this opportunity -- and for what it meant.  We always start the day with our Morning Message.  Before our Vow of Silence began, we shared and collaborated about why we were going to be silent.  The ideas the students shared were meaningful and POWERFUL!

The students used their Kid Writing skills to record their ideas...

Here is the final list - their ideas are incredible!

*  to change the world

*  for kids who need water and food

*  so kids can go to school

*  so kids don't have to work

*  so kids can be kids

Although we were silent, a lot of great learning still took place.  Here are a few of the things we did while we were silent:

Literacy Centres (Computers, Pocket Chart Reading, Write the Room)

We also did some silent reading...

Thank you to all the families and friends who sponsored our students to help raise funds for Free the Children!  If you would like more information about Free the Children or the Day of Silence, please visit www.iamsilent.com.