WHAT DID WE NOTICE OVER THE YEAR?

Over the course of the school year, while visiting classrooms, we noticed many teachers taking risks and trying out more hands on learning activities in their classrooms. There was a feeling of a growth mind set with many staff members and our students.  Some of our primary teachers created new learning spaces in their rooms for children to have more choice in where they learn and work best.  Outside, a natural meeting area was created with boulders, logs, and plants. When students were asked about how hands on learning helps them they replied;

“I think it helps me by showing myself more ways of doing this.” Matthew

“It makes it easier and more interesting.” Osman

“It is super fun and creating stuff is a super cool way to express your imagination.” Vanessa

“It’s too messy.” Wan Jong

“I like that you actually do it and not just get told about it.” Kai

“It helps me to understand better.” Brendan

Overall, there seemed to be more positives than negatives with the students.  The staff felt that it created a different energy in the classroom with more conversation going on about the lesson and was useful for learners that didn’t always want to share ideas on pen and paper. It was another way to show the students’ learning.