Olympics and Mapping

Schlegel's Trip

We really enjoyed our time at Schlegel's gym. It happened to occur right in the middle of the Olympic hockey games so excitement ran pretty high. We learned from Elfi Schlegel herself a little bit about her time in the Olympics (1980) and got to pose with the Olympic torch she carried when she ran four years ago. Students moved in small groups through the gym using equipment to strengthen core muscles. They really impressed me with their ability to try what might seem a daunting task, like climbing a knotted rope to the ceiling and ringing the bell at the top. Yikes! Although I had a small moment of worrying about the weather not cooperating (darn those incessant snow storms this winter) we got there safely and had a great time. 

Our next Social studies unit is mapping. Here is a link to the curriculum requirements of this unit if you are interested (page 81 in the pdf) :   Ministry curriculum  . We began our discussion about maps by learning about Harriet Tubman for Black History Month. We discussed the underground railroad and how she had to follow the 'North Star' to freedom. Using a world map, we then discussed how 'Slaves' had to escape to freedom and where the Northern free states are located. Sounds complicated for Grade Two but we used books like 'Henry's Freedom Box' to help explain. 
                                                               
The students have shown a great deal of interest in this topic. They have asked intelligent questions along the way and are quite engaged in the fact that "history really happened". If your child is interested, please help them to locate many of the great resources available on our school Book Flix program. There are great e books on there about Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King, Jackie Robinson and Harriett Tubman just to name a few. After this month we will be moving into creating maps and learning to read symbols e.g., understanding the compass rose. 

Inservices: I have been out of the classroom for a few in-services this week which is always a bit hard for the children and I. The good news is I have learned lots of great math and language ideas to implement in my classroom. I do always try to get great supply teachers to help provide seamless instruction. I know one of the retired teachers that comes in for me does magic tricks...hmmm, I might have to brush up on my magic skills to compete :)

Have a great week. I noticed that on Mineral Spring Road in Ancaster the sap buckets are out on the maple trees. Maybe the trees think 'Spring' is coming, even though it sure doesn't feel like it!