Butterfly Release

Monday:

The kids had a musical kick-off to the week with xylophones. Retired teacher Mrs. P was covering for Mrs. Keil this week. She had the kids explore instruments and movement. She commented on what a wonderful group of kids we have in our class. Awesome work, Kiddos! 

We had 9 out of 10 butterflies emerge from their chrysalis'. The kids were excited to name them all. 

Students explored symmetry creating their own butterfly wing designs inspired by our classroom guests. 

Tuesday:

We were excited but a little sad to say goodbye to our butterflies today. We walked over to the path that leads to Blumsen Park and found the perfect place to release them. The students gathered in a circle around the butterfly cage. I unzipped the top expecting them to flutter away in a cloud of colour, but no... they all just sat there. Feeling mildly disappointed at the "not-so-dramatic" exit, I reached in to the cage and was filled with glee when each butterfly gently climbed onto not only my finger, but sat calmly while they were passed from finger to finger of each of the students before fluttering up into the trees. This was a truly magical experience for everyone there. 

Wednesday:

Continuing to be inspired by our butterflies, the students continued to create art and journal entries about our experience. 

 Thursday:

We have been loving this beautiful weather. The kids have been spending time decorating our pathway with beautiful chalk art. 

Today two of our classmates came up with a wonderful plan. During centre time they started making bracelets out of strips of white paper. When I asked them what they planned to do with them all they stated that they were going to sell them for money... REAL money. Of course my next question was, "What are you going to do with the real money?"... I was expecting to hear that they were saving up to toys, or a bike, or candy, but they said, "We are going to give it to the Children's Hospital." Of course I had to jump on this teachable moment. The boys then shared their idea with the whole class and very quickly they had inspired different ideas of how kids could help. Some students joined in making the bracelets, while others developed ideas about their own products to sell. We are going to continue on brainstorming and creating ways that we can support this cause as a classroom effort. Thank you to Laura and Michelle for donating art and craft supplies to help the kids. If you have any spare change around the house, pickles, dimes, anything, please feel free to send in with the kids so that they can donate to each others fundraisers. We have been using our math skills and learning about the Canadian coins with this as well. I love an authentic learning experience that grew organically from the kids hearts and minds. Way to go Kindess Ninjas!!!

Friday:

Today we continued the charitable theme with the Walk for Water. The kids walked with the primary students around the school for 40 minutes to get an idea of how long the walk that the young girls in Burkina Faso do everyday, twice a day for clean water. 

We hope you enjoyed your Mother's Day portraits and questionnaires. The kids worked really hard on  making the day special for all you wonderful moms out there. 

We are keeping our current songs a secret as we are practicing them for the Family Day celebration and don't want to ruin the surprise.