Reflection

As I start Term 2, I look to these photos I took on my holiday and feel inspired. I just love the reflections. The start of term is a time for reflection. What has really engaged the students? What has made them inspired to learn more? What has given them the confidence to take risks, think creatively and persevere? What can I do to ensure my teaching is rigorous, meaningful, engaging and inspiring? I shall reflect and prepare for a great term!

Think, pair, share strategy

Click on the link below for a great strategy to encourage quieter students to participate and speak up in class.

https://youtu.be/vxMOl2Vnw54​

Ice Tower Excavation

This is a great idea for students to explore their senses! Great for following a procedure to make some of these wonderful creations themselves. An ever changing installation to observe, photograph, alter, touch and simply experience. 

Let There Be Peace On Earth

I am listening to a beautiful song, Let There Be Peace On Earth, by The Boys Choir of Harlem. On Remembrance Day I discussed with the Kindergarten students the meaning of Peace. I was amazed at their understanding of this concept and comments by the youngest students were very insightful and personal. I thought I'd share the lyrics with you as we approach Christmas.

Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me
Let There Be Peace on Earth
The peace that was meant to be

With God as our Father
Brothers all are we
Let me walk with my brother
In perfect harmony.

Let peace begin with me
Let this be the moment now.

With ev'ry step I take
Let this be my solemn vow
To take each moment and live
Each moment in peace eternally
Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me

One of the most peaceful places I have been. High in the Snowy Mountains.

Take time to smell the roses or whistle!

I was walking downstairs yesterday with some of my students and one began to whistle. We stopped, listened and clapped. I then showed them my way of whistling using my cupped hands. They were enthralled! I began to teach them this new skill on the steps and one commented on how hard it was. Perfect example of the value of practice! I simply said, "Keep practising and you'll be able to do it!" We continued down the stairs to "practice" our reading. My students were happy and motivated.
Couldn't find a picture of roses but thought this wisteria from Oia Santorini inspiring.

Little India, Singapore

How could you possibly not be inspired by the colour and life in Little India, Singapore! On our recent trip to Italy, Croatia, Greece and Turkey, we returned to Australia with a stopover in Singapore. Where to head for a decent meal? Little India of course! The food, the shops, the colour, the life! Just wonderful!

Reflections

I took this gorgeous photo at Crosslands two months ago, mid winter. Walking with my son along Berowra Creek on a stunning day, I couldn't help but appreciate the beauty only ten minutes from home. The reflections are stunning! How important is "reflection" in our everyday life. Reflection is an integral part of life long learning. Where have I come from and what have I learnt? How can I build on what I now know? How can I use what I have learnt today, tomorrow and the next day? My mind is buzzing!

Gold Coast Queensland

Collaborative Cardboard City

In making this wonderful collaborative artwork with recycled materials, students from Kindergarten to Year 6 were inspired by the artwork of the Australian artist Annalise Rees. Each group of students had half an hour to create their whimsical "house" using collected materials such as boxes, bubble wrap, papers, fabric, tubes and egg cartons. Individual "houses" were then assembled. Quite a balancing act! 

This activity promoted collaborative decision making, problem solving, innovation and creative thinking. Love it :)

Vivid time again!

First night of Vivid and of course I am on the Harbour! The Opera House looked just brilliant. Love this design.

Painting birdcages!

I bought these small metal birdcages a few weeks ago as they inspired me to be creative. Next I had to decide what to actually do with them, as I don't keep birds! I painted a layer of red on the first one and quite like the outcome. Today I'll add a second layer and perhaps put a plant inside and hang on our front porch. Watch this space!

Feel inspired!

I thought it was time a posted a blog again. This painting I did a few months ago really inspires me to be creative. I just love absorbing the layers of colour....let me see....first yellow, then green, blue, red and lastly gold! Think I got that right! I simply used a flat sponge and made sure each layer had dried completely before I applied the next. Easy! Anyone can do this :)

Christmas Table Decorations

The Christmas table looked fabulous this year thanks to my very talented daughter. Red and white was the theme with an eclectic collection of trimmings including candles, painted cane balls, Christmas baubles, coloured twigs and glass jars. Complimented with fresh native Christmas bush, the table was ready!

Happy Christmas to all my readers!

Best Practice

Is this best practice? Is this the best way to achieve the outcomes? Is there a better way? What can I change to achieve best practice? I am always asking myself questions like these but also asking the students I teach! I rephrase the questions slightly and ask for feedback. I try to prioritise to make the time to recognise and record their thoughts on how they "best" learn. Allowing time for students to express thoughts about their learning also builds their self esteem. Students see that you sincerely value their thoughts and ideas. As an experienced teacher, I know that what has always "worked well" may not be "best practice"next time. I have high expectations for the students I teach so I constantly ask myself, "How can I achieve best practice?"
Enjoy this image I took recently from the burnt out remains of the observatory at Mt Stromlo, ACT.  Only the rounded walls and window frames remain. Devastating fires ravaged Canberra and surrounds in 2003.

Floriade in Canberra 2013

Amazing designs filled with a rhapsody of colour has to inspire any "budding" artist! This year's Floriade is truly inspirational.

Layer upon Layer

In watercolour and acrylic, these artworks simply bring joy. Inspired by the colours of spring, layer your colours for this "feel good" effect! Simple :)

Ipads and teaching: a great combination!

I have been using ipads in my teaching program over the last few months with great success. With the Phase 1 ESL students I have taken them to key locations in the school and photographed these: the canteen, sickbay, office, library etc. Back in the classroom each day we are reminded of these places visually. There are also great programs where words are pronounced in English and the students can record and playback these words. Great for encouraging them to speak English confidently.
In Learning and Support, Maths and English can be done on the white board and photographed for a record. Great for students who feel daunted by trying to fill a page with numbers/words or who have difficulties with fine motor control. There is also a great App which plays back the exact pronunciation of the words you have typed in. This really helps students to self correct their spelling.
The possibilities are endless!!!!
Enjoy these photos I took in the playground recently. The birds are enjoying "their" lunch as soon as the students returned to class! This would give the students something to write about.

Enjoy life!

I have the best advice ever. Don't put off today what you could do tomorrow. Just do it! In our busy lives it's easy to say, "I'll do that one day." My advice to you is not to worry about things that don't really matter. Do what you have to do then do what you want to do. Go on....explore your inner creativity! Enjoy :)

Art from recycled materials

A trip to the local scrap metal yard and recycling the old backyard fence can create something quite unique! Inspired by the wonderful artist Rosalie Gascoigne my son created this masterpiece. Why not search your backyard shed, collect otherwise discarded materials and make something special. Actually, I scour secondhand stores for ceramics to smash and use in my mosaics. Barely costs a thing!