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 :)