Laura Simmons

We've been doing a read aloud all about the power of language, and have been brainstorming our own lists of powerful words. Ss will then be picking one word and creating a free verse poem expressing the importance of this word to them. So cool to see their brainstorms! @silwrdsb

We had a great time listening to the Grade 8s make pitches for the best Sustainable City design today. Some excellent ideas! Well done 8-2. It was hard to decide where to spend our "Simmons Bucks". 😁 @LauraTSimmons

@semadter @silwrdsb Will do some time this weekend! 👍

@LauraTSimmons @silwrdsb I’d love it if you don’t mind. Hope you’re doing well.

We’ve been working on an interview mini unit, to help in supporting our classroom community through creating connections. Today I asked students why they thought I had them do this assignment. Here’s their thoughts. Look like they got it! @silwrdsb

@semadter @silwrdsb Hey! I can send stuff to you if it helps! We’re doing it before we get into some heavier stuff to have connections to build on :)

@LauraTSimmons @silwrdsb I’d love to know more about how you’ve structured this unit:) sounds like valuable lessons on many levels.

We @silwrdsb remember and give thanks….

Today in Geography, we considered what sustainability looks like. Ss investigated the United Nations SDGs and decided which 5 they thought were most important to creating a stable and sustainable country. @silwrdsb

@MsBMacPherson Oh my goodness! This is awesome! I hope you guys are well :)

A little late, but happy national chemistry week from this future STEM kiddo.

As a part of geography, we are looking at pull factors that draw people to live in certain parts of the world. Ss researched a community in Canada to find what draws new people in and pitched their community to their peers! @silwrdsb #humangeography

To illustrate how area impacts population density in geography, we used cubes to represent millions in population and stacked them on proportional areas of a variety of countries. Afterward we calculated population density of a variety of countries around the world. @silwrdsb

@silwrdsb Thanks to @MsDolbeersClass for the square problem!

We have been investigating the skills mathematicians develop. Today was creativity! Ss completed the nine dots problem to "think outside the box," and worked in teams to create as many unique square combos as they could using 12 strips of paper! @silwrdsb #thinkingoutsidethebox

To begin planning our classroom community, Ss identified aspects of Grade 7 that they loved and things they would change. Then we broke it down into three actionable tasks for me that they felt would help make their year amazing in Grade 8. Here’s their ideas! @silwrdsb

Summer learning day 3! We discussed stereotypes about WHO mathematicians are (and that WE are mathematicians), drew our skip counting hopscotches, used number lines and built bridges with a single piece of paper (skip counting by 2s, 5s, and 10s to fill it with snap cubes).

In summer learning, we tried to find as many ways as we could to represent multiplication problems, created a giant number line with skip counting, designed skip counting hopscotches (we’ll be placing these on the tarmac tomorrow!) and played “raging rectangles.” What a busy day!

Reflections and gratitude on the second last day. We learned so much this year, including that “we are all cousins,” how to self regulate using a timer, and how to be leaders to kindies. So lucky for this amazing, silly, accepting, open and joyful class. @silwrdsb @ms_cmiranda

Passion project presentations today! So far we learned about some of the Greek Gods, got to see a coded presentation about Elon Musk and finally got a deep dive into Skyrim and all its worlds!😀 Student voice and choice in action! @silwrdsb @ms_cmiranda

Kindergarten buddies today made collaborative tree art then danced up a storm to practice for Monday. Things are really better when you’re dancing! @silwrdsb @ms_cmiranda

Awesome day @silwrdsb with so many Juniors participating in Track and Field!

Today we got the opportunity to read our marvellous creations for the kindergarten buddies we have outside! We got to demonstrate our pride in being authors today. Way to go 5/6B! @silwrdsb @ms_cmiranda