I'm trying out something new today: Friday Feature. For this week's Friday Feature, I decided to highlight the fantastic work of my oldest daughter, Elizabeth. Elizabeth has been hard at work all week on a very large country project on Greece (doesn't it look great!). Today was the culmination activity for this project - a multi-cultural feast. My husband and I were hard at work assembling 40 gyros all morning. (Guess what we're having for supper tonight?) I was so happy to have the opportunity to share in this activity with her at school today. The one and only downfall of my job is that so often I'm not able to share in these opportunities at her school - probably the reason why I chose to enrol my middle daughter in junior kindergarten at my school this year. Next year they will be at our neighbourhood school together. It's a good thing for them, but sad for me. Today though, all is good!
Helping Elizabeth with her school project this week inspired me to create my own country project. I will be using this activity next year when I teach the grade 6 social studies unit, Canada's Connections to the World, but it can be used to compliment any curriculum unit that studies different countries. For this project, students have to research a chosen country, completing different activities to amass a total of 100 points. The project includes over 25 different activity ideas, a parent letter explaining the multi-cultural feast, instruction page for teachers and students, and a rubric for evaluation. Click here or on the product pictures to bring you to my teacherspayteachers store where you can download a free preview.
It's been a hectic few weeks at home and in my classroom, and there's more to come before we finish up our year at the end of June. I need to remember to stop and smell the flowers a little more. My life is wonderful, my class is fabulous, and my own family makes every day worthwhile. As I was rushing to Elizabeth's class this morning with my tray of 40 gyros, I happened to notice my beloved tulips are in full bloom in my backyard garden. I made a mental note to stop and enjoy them for a few moments on my way home. I am anxiously awaiting the summer so I can really enjoy my gardens (my lilies will be in full bloom by then), but for now, I think I will plan a visit to my favourite greenhouses this weekend.
Lastly, I have another freebie for you. I wanted to say thank-you to all of you. I was invited to join TBA this week, and have already gained 14 new followers in 5 days! Now, 14 may not seem like a big deal to you, but it was more than enough to make me break out the happy dance. I've only been doing this whole "blogging thing" for less than a month, and I'm already completely and utterly addicted. I can't wait to get 50 followers - I've already planned my giveaway.
Today's Friday Freebie is a Word Building Activity (mini-lesson) that compliments the reading strategy of making connections. My kids LOVED this activity, and so did my principal when I used it during my evaluation. Click here or on the picture to get your own copy. If you like the activity, you can rate it after you download it.
HAPPY FRIDAY!!!
