Using Real-life Examples to Improve Understanding of Area

     Today, I included a real-life example of how to calculate area. We had finished with perimeter, but many of my students were struggling to see the difference between perimeter and area. I thought that by creating a real-life scenario, in which they would need to calculate the area, would work.
     Bob is the local fix-it guy in town. Heidi is my co-op teacher, and has a dog named Rowsell. The kids thought it was hilarious that I had used Heidi and Bob as an example and had included Rowsell in the picture, too. As a class, we worked together to solve the question, and I felt much better about the students being able to distinguish between perimeter and area.

Creating Prints in the Classroom and Visiting the Kinngait Print Shop

     

     I taught a yoga lesson which went extremely well. The kids were a bit giggly at first, but calmed down quickly when they saw how challenging yoga can be. As we finished our yoga practice, I had the students sit in a large circle in the middle of the classroom, and asked them, "What is Cape Dorset known for? What makes it special?" Answers were that it's known for it's carvings, it's art. Then a student shot their hand up to say, "the print shop!" This is what I was looking for. I then asked the kids what time of year we were approaching, and what happened in the spring? "Hunting... and fishing!", they replied. Well, when I told them we were making print art to depict a fishing scene, there was about 10 seconds of chaotic, but thrilling excitement. The kids got to work immediately, and focused on their art for over an hour. The outcome was amazing, and the kids were so proud. (Check out the last picture; after they had left for the day, I received a surprise note, written by one of my students on his print art).

     After the day in the classroom making prints, I was able to take a tour of the Cape Dorset print shop. Joamie was our tour guide, and he explained that they have used various materials over the years for making the engraved stencils, and that they do 4 different types of print processes at the shop. As well as print making, they have several carvings for sale, and even walrus penises! We didn't make it to the lithography side, but we will return next week to see the other half. 

        

       

Literacy Night and a Special Birthday in the North

     The day began with an assembly in the gym, as is routine for Wednesday. Important dates that are coming up are given to the students, issues that have arisen in the school or community are talked about, awards are given to deserving students, and birthdays are announced. Well, it was my birthday, today! I was called to the front with other students whose birthdays were in March, and the rest of the school sang "Happy Birthday". I felt very welcomed, and it was hilariously entertaining. We all had a great school day together, and a special treat was brought in: kuanniq (sounds like, goo-awn-aee), which is edible seaweed, fresh from the ocean! The kids were eager to see me try it, and I was very game. I realized that I had it before in soups, and I loved the salty, slimy, crunchy taste and texture. The kids enjoyed some, as well. At the end of the day, some lovely teachers named Ave and Tate had organized a literacy night at the school, An elder, named Hopey (please excuse the spelling), came in to read stories and sing songs in Inuktitut. She had brought a drum with her but told us that this kind of drum was traditionally used in western regions of Nunavut, but not Cape Dorset (they traditionally used a different kind of drum). Hopey had gone to Iqaluit to become trained in the type of drumming you see in the pictures. She was a very interesting woman, and you could see the admiration in the kids' eyes as they listened to her.

(Literacy Night Activity Centers)

(Hopey, playing the drum. She even got me u there drumming and dancing!)

(The kids looking on, as I eat kuanniq for the first time.)

The Day There was a Wolf on the Ice

     This is the view I get on my way to school, Monday to Friday. The crisp air, the rolling hills and liquid sky of blue, silver, and white, well, without being too sentimental, I feel like I'm in a dream- how could I ever have a bad Monday, here?

 

     We finished with perimeter today, and are beginning to look closely at area. I put the display up early this morning, and the kids were thrilled to see their work on the wall when they came in. 

     The kids learned some new spelling words yesterday, and the rest of the week is devoted to review and practice. They begged to play a game called "Sparkle". I hadn't heard of it before, so they were eager to show me. First, they stand in a circle. Then, I call out one of the new spelling words. Then, one student says the first letter, the next in line says the next letter, etc., until the word is spelled out. However, if you get a letter wrong you sit down, and play continues to the next player. When the word is spelled out, the play goes to the next person, who says "Sparkle", and the player to their left has to sit down. It's really fun, they get enjoyment out of spelling while they're learning and practicing, and everyone has a fair chance, while playing. This is definitely a game I will be bringing back to the south to play with the kids in my other practicum.

... Oh, as a sidenote: there was an announcement over the PA today, before lunch. It said, "please go straight home over lunch, as there has been a wolf spotted on the ice." The kids were thrilled and were trying to guess who was going to get the wolf, because this or that towns-person was the best shot. Very exciting!

Perimeter and Pixel Art, Descriptive Writing, and Yard Cleanup

     I had completed a lesson with the kids on perimeter and had them doing an activity that would show what they've learned. They were to use a grid paper to write their name in block letters, calculate the perimeter of each letter, and then add the letters together to get the total perimeter. The kids loved it! They saw how it was like pixel art, so after they had finished, they were allowed to use the grids to design assorted pixel art which would be added to the display outside the classroom. The kids kept referring to it as art time, and weren't thinking about it in terms of math, which kept the kids with math anxiety really engaged. It was really amusing!

     As mentioned previously, I had done a center with my photos from home. Today, I had a sheet of questions which the kids could select one from, to respond to. Many of the students did really well with it, but one in particular stole the show. He writes that the drums in a band that he loves, sounds to him, like "a wolf running". I could hear exactly what he was describing. He got a round of applause from his classmates for writing that; it was very impressive.

     During duty time, Heidi asked simply, "our playground is getting messy, who wants to help clean it up?". A flock of children came running and couldn't help fast enough. It was awesome. They really take pride in their school.

A Walk to Dead Dog Lake... and Then we Saw a Polar Bear!

     The man-made lake that was built for a secondary water supply, is called Ice Lake, formally. Informally, and certainly more popularly, it is known as Dead Dog Lake. I've made several inquiries as to why, but know one seems to know. Apparently, many of the communities in Nunavut have a lake called Dead Dog

     This is one of the government buildings, built in our community. Again, the architecture struck me as being non-intrusive, and complimentary to landscape. To the right and further back is where the new High School will be built. Construction is supposed to begin sometime this April.

                                      

     ... and then we saw a polar bear! Luckily, someone had already taken care of any danger it may have put us in. The skin is laid out in the sun for many months, and turned frequently to allow an evenness of sunshine to hit the hide. The skin will surely be used for an assortment of necessary items for survival and comfort in the North.

     A picture could never show the real majesty of this place, especially not from my Iphone camera. I thought this landscape photo did an okay job of it, but in reality, I was breath-taken from looking at the icy blue vastness of it all.

The 2016 High School Graduation

     Last year in Cape Dorset, there was a fire that burnt the High School down. Because of this tragedy, the graduating students of 2016 were unable to have the graduation ceremony that they had worked so hard for and deserved... until tonight! Using the gymnasium at the Sam Pudlat Elementary School, the graduating students of 2016 were able to have a ceremony which I was lucky enough to volunteer at and help create a celebration for all they'd accomplished. There was a formal ceremony in which a large and beautiful qulliq was lit (this was the traditional source of light, heat, and cooking for Inuit, perhaps the most vital tool for survival in the old days). The graduates were told (I'm paraphrasing here), that like the qulliq, these students represented hope for the future, and to never let that flame die. Speeches were given by notable members of the community, such as the principal of the high school, the previous principal, and the mayor. Everything that was said in English, was also translated in Inuktitut, so that everyone in attendance would understand, and could appreciate how special these graduates are. There was a banquet dinner, made and served by the volunteers (community members, teachers, staff, etc.), and the graduates had dressed in fancy suits and gowns; it was all a very big "to do". When everyone had eaten and enjoyed some entertainment and dancing, we joined to watch an hour long display of fireworks. It was a wonderful evening and I can't express how privileged I feel to have been a part of making the night a success for the young people who persevered through many challenges and deserved to be especially recognized. I applaud you, all!

Skating in Cape Dorset

     It was fun Friday today, so we arranged to take the kids to the skating rink. Only a few minutes from Sam Pudlat School, we made the short trek over, stopping for a few photos. I swear, you could feel the vibrations of excitement in the air. For kids who didn't have skates, we brought crazy carpets, for sliding (not sledding, like we'd say in the South). Unfortanutely, one of the students was injured a short time after getting on the ice. Don't worry, he's okay! He just needed a few stitches. Something I noticed about the students in a "time of crisis", every single one of my students was nothing but helpful, patient, caring, understanding, and responsible. (I'm beaming as I write this, they all made me so proud today!). We merely gave directives of what students were to do and what we needed, and they immediately worked together to assist us. They amazed me.

     But, the little boy was quite sad that he missed the skate. When we returned to school, we decided to make a giant "Get Well" card for him during our art time. Again, I was amazed at how they all came together to collaborate and organize. The kind and thoughtful things they were saying to him, blew me away. This is what I love about the people of Cape Dorset, they're not just a community, they're a family.

                                      

                                                

  

Inuit Games in the Classroom

     We had such a productive AND fun day, today! In the morning, we had our usual routine of story time (read-aloud), breakfast and independent reading, stretching, and I gave the students a spelling test on homophones (which, they did really well with). They had communications and technology time with another teacher, Scott, after recess, then we worked on perimeter and area for math. We introduced new spelling words (antonyms and synonyms), had Inuktitut studies, did another read-aloud (this time, I did the read-aloud, which went wonderfully) and did centers (small groups of students have 12 minutes at each of 5 stations). I ran one of the centers, which focused on listening and communication skills. I simply brought some photo albums in from my home, in Halifax. We chatted about the pictures (most were of family, friends, and activities I had enjoyed at home), and it gave the children a chance to get to know me better, while I asked them questions about how they connect with the pictures (for example, had they experienced something similar?, do they go camping and what did they enjoy about it?, what had they built or made that they were most proud of? etc.). It was phenomenal; I felt like the kids were completely engaged in our conversation, and that we both learned new things about each other, as well, I was able to introduce new vocabulary throughout our conversation which I later overheard the kids using (success in teaching, yahoo!!). 

                                     

     Next week, I will use the same photos, but will have them do a written response with me. Besides having a stellar day, we ended it by playing some Inuit games. The kids absolutely LOVED showing me how they play.

     This game is played by having to people sit back to back. They have to use their legs to push their back against their opponent to force them forward, outside of the circle.

     This game is played by pushing your hand against your opponent's should. Your other hand goes under, and you link index fingers with your opponent. You then pull your linked fingers towards you, until your opponent "gives".

     This game is played by bending forward and putting your head under the arm of your opponent. You then push forward, to try to force your opponent out of the circle.

     This game was my favorite. You lie flat on your back, shoulder to hip with your opponent. You lift you legs up in the air, count 1, 2, 3 (when each number is said, you swing your leg up, then down), and then go! You swing your leg up, hook it around your partner's, and pull back down so that your opponent is forced to flip over.