In education, surprises can lead to innovation. When the expected Paw Patrol picture book was replaced by a colouring book in a Kindergarten library order, Mrs. Powell faced a dilemma: how to repurpose this unexpected resource.
She decided to creatively reuse the colouring book by tearing the pages apart for a collaborative Kindergarten illustration project. Students, armed with individual pages and pencil crayons, engaged in memory recall exercises, exploring characters and storytelling elements. The transformed colouring book became a canvas for exploration, with students searching for clues, inferencing and discussing vocabulary through Paw Patrol characters.
What seemed like a mistake turned into a unique learning experience. Students became illustrators, through a talking-drawing-writing approach, contributing to the reassembled book. The once-misdirected resource became a testament to adaptability and creativity. The reimagined Paw Patrol colouring book teaches us that even in unexpected challenges, there is an opportunity for meaningful learning. Check it out of the library for a story of resilience, collaboration, and turning a mistake into a masterpiece.
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Messages from Across the Grades
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Junior Kindergarten "JK"
Junior Kindergarten students had an exciting time engaging in a range of outdoor education that promotes creativity, sensory experiences, and motor skills. It is an essential experience for students’ development and an opportunity to connect with what they see, hear, touch and smell.
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Grades K/1
In Kindergarten, students are learning that a pattern is a repeating sequence of numbers, letters, pictures, sizes, colours, or shapes. We had an exciting time exploring numeracy outside by creating different patterns in nature. In Science, we are learning all about the weather and how the weather and seasons affect us. Grade 1 students read the story "Leaf Man" by Lois Ehlert. Then they created their own leaf man or animal using mostly leaves and other natural materials. Using their imagination and creativity, they wrote a story about their leaf character.
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Grades 2/3
In grade 2, students are wrapping up their mathematics patterns unit by exploring how Indigenous groups use patterns found in nature within their artwork. After learning how Indigenous artists use natural materials such as corn husk and straw to build their baskets, students tried weaving their own paper baskets with a repeating pattern of their choice. In grade 3, students are excited to be implementing an inquiry unit where they are growing carrots in the greenhouse. Students are learning about propagation (the breeding of a plant from the parent stock) as they witness the growth of lotus seeds.
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Grades 4/5
Grade 4 students explored the connection between Indigenous people and salmon on the Fraser River. Students got hands-on experience with fishing technology, learn about wind-drying salmon, and discover that salmon is in the hearts of Indigenous people living along the Fraser River today. The Grade 5 classes have been inquiring about global environmental issues such as climate change and the human impacts on nature. How are the sea levels rising? What is global warming? How does deforestation affect the world?
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Grades 6/7
The Grade 6 and 7 classes visited Stanley Park to gain insight into the indigenous people's traditional use of plants, fostering a deeper appreciation for their connection to the land. Additionally, they took their numeracy learning outside to the school grounds, where they applied their mathematical skills to estimate the volume and surface area of various structures, making learning a hands-on experience.
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This year, our Junior Kindergarten program introduces the enchanting world of composers, providing young minds a gateway into the inspiring realm of music. Beyond the classroom, we seamlessly integrate Environmental and Outdoor Education, inviting our budding musicians to explore sounds and rhythms amid the beauty of nature. As they play colored bells, students learn to appreciate not only the art of music but also the melodic symphony that the natural environment offers. This hands-on experience aligns with the ethos of Environmental Education, fostering curiosity about the interconnectedness of music and the world around us.
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In addition to their exploration, our young musicians eagerly anticipate the Winter Concert, a platform where they not only showcase their musical prowess but also celebrate the fusion of music and nature. Performing outdoors becomes a magical experience, allowing them to connect with the elements and share the joy of music in a harmonious outdoor setting. This harmonious blend of musical education and outdoor exploration promises a melodious and nature-inspired year for our Junior Kindergarten students, where the thrill of learning resonates with the enchantment of the natural world.
Ms. Jean Huang
Junior Kindergarten Teacher
Junior Kindergarten Music Specialist
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Wellness at Pythagoras Academy
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According to Harvard University Health Services, wellness is made up of eight different frameworks, with one of them being environmental well-being. Environmental well-being is valuing the relationship between ourselves, the spaces we live and work in, and the planet. So how do we apply this idea to our everyday lives in school, at home and in our community? It is quite simple actually, especially since we live in one of the most beautiful places in the world surrounded by the ocean, mountains and numerous parks.
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For instance, whether you’re donating clothes you no longer use, recycling your trash, or cleaning up your local park, actively caring for your physical surroundings can improve the health of our community and the planet. Furthermore, while the days are getting colder and gloomy, a walk in the rain to the park, or a visit to your local beach can help improve your health.
Source: Centre for Wellness and Health Promotion https://wellness.huhs.harvard.edu/your-wellbeing
Ms. Una Miljevic
Vice Principal of Student Life
Grade 4-7 Team Lead
Grade 4 Homeroom
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Celebrating Student Achievement at Pythagoras Academy
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Congratulations to Eddie, who not only participated in the Fairchild Radio Talent Show event, but also emerged as the winner! Furthermore, Eddie also participated the UBC musical performance of "The Fox" at the beginning of November! Wonderful work!
*Please let teachers know of achievements for your chance to be showcased in an upcoming newsletter edition!*
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Upcoming School Events and Important Dates
December 4-5: Parent/Teacher Conferences
December 6-8: JK Parent/Teacher Conferences
December 8: Breakfast with Santa
December 11: Class Holiday Celebrations
December 14: Winter Concert (No After School)
December 15: Last Day of Classes (Half Day)
December 25: Christmas Day (Holiday)
January 8: First Day of Term 2
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