I came across this cool (and free) app called ChatterPix and thought it would make the perfect review activity in Social Studies.  Before the students got their hands on the iPads, they had to pretend they were Leif Erikson and write a paragraph explaining who they were, what they accomplished, and why they didn't stay in Newfoundland very long.  Once I approved the paragraph, they were ready to create their ChatterPix.  Here are a few examples:

Canada Biggie Sized!

Way back in the summer I accidentally came across the Canadian National Geographic website while searching for something totally unrelated.  Well, I'm sure glad I found the site and spent a few minutes looking around.  I found that they lend giant floor maps of Canada - for FREE!  So, I signed up and kinda forgot about it all during the rush of the fall.  I was reminded by email after Christmas that I had signed up and was asked if I was still interested in having the map delivered. I replied with a definite YES and waited for the map's arrival.

The map was so big I couldn't even get the whole thing in one picture.  You get the idea.

The map also came with a trunk full of lesson ideas and materials like bean bags, pylons, picture cards, and chain links (to outline the watersheds).

My fifth graders had just finished learning about the six geographical regions of Canada, so the map arrived at the perfect time.

O Canada!

My Grade 5 class knew very little about Canada's geography when we started the year.  We did a carousel activity the opening week where they made lists of the provinces/territories, cities in Canada, bodies of water, and so on.  There were more wrong answers than right.  

Another teacher and myself came up with a Canada map puzzle project. Students were given pieces of the country that they needed to assemble.  This lead to a lot of discussion among the students about where things should go.  I liked hearing the students say the actual names of the provinces/territories, as well as directional words like east and west.  After the puzzle was assembled, they simply coloured the provinces and territories.  We did a few side activities on the provinces/territories and their capitals before they returned to their maps to label.  

There are six geographical regions that we need to cover, so we started on the east coast with the Atlantic/Appalachian region.  Students recorded what they think they know about the region's climate, vegetation, natural resources, bodies of water, animals, and landforms on little pieces of paper attached to toothpicks. I was pleasantly surprised with their comments.  Most responses were bang on with the region, so maybe they were paying attention when I showed them a Canada film the first week of school.  After learning about the region, we'll return to the map and add new learning with different coloured paper and taller toothpicks, so they stand out a bit more.

I'm excited to see the final product.

Head Smashed-In Buffalo Jump

If you're from southern Alberta, then you've heard of Head Smashed-In Buffalo Jump.  If you haven't had the chance to visit this part of Canada, then you gotta go. Head Smashed-In Buffalo Jump is a place where First Nations people hunted buffalo.  It's the oldest and most preserved buffalo jump and has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

As part of our First Nations News Broadcast activity, my Grade 4 students had to create a model of Head Smashed-In Buffalo Jump.  I gave them only one class to complete it.  Here are a couple of their creations:

Alberta Map Work

My students finished their Alberta maps before Easter holidays. 

Step 1 - Make a wooden frame.  Ok, get your hubby to make a wooden frame. :)

The triangle piece is separate.

Step 2 - Cover all the wood with tin foil.  I tried wax paper and plastic wrap before settling with tin foil.  I like that I left the tin foil bumpy along the longer side of the triangular piece.  When the Plaster of Paris dries, it looks like the rugged Rocky Mountains.

 Step 3 - Pour Plaster of Paris into frame.  It sets pretty quick, so don't mix too much up at once.

 Step 4 - Plan, Etch, and Paint!

 Step 5 - Finished map with compass rose and legend.

The kids really enjoyed this project.  I had students working in groups of 2, which was successful.  My one group of 3 had a trickier time painting the map at the same time.  I decided to do this project after the students had studied the six geographical regions of Alberta.  Maybe it would be a good introduction project next time?

Liebster Award

Thank you to The Purple Teacher for nominating me for the Liebster award. Since I'm a new blogger, I was a perfect candidate.  Now you get to learn a bit more about me. 

Here are the 11 questions Purple Teacher asked me and my responses:

1 - When did you know you wanted to be a teacher?  What made you pursue this career?

Ok.  This is any easy starter question.  Both my parents are retired teachers/principals, so I had wonderful examples to follow.  I have very fond memories of playing school with my two sisters.  I think I was a bossy teacher back then. :)

2 - What is your proudest moment as a teacher?

I love hearing from former students.  I'm always happy and proud when I get a wedding invite.  To me, that's pretty special.  

3 - What is one tip you would give new teachers today?

Don't reinvent the wheel!

4 - What's the best TPT resource you have ever purchased?

This is a tough one.  I LOVE TpT and there are a lot of amazing resources available! I found this adorable clipart last fall and used it as my inspiration when I decorated my classroom. Check it out: Autumn Garden Clipart

5 - Describe your teaching style.

I'm all about engagement!  I've done a lot of training with Kagan, as well as Tribes and Instructional Intelligence, and I'm slowly working on my WBT certification.  I like to keep my students moving with interactive and fun activities.  If I'm bored planning the lesson, then chances are the kids will be, too.

6 - If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live?

I grew up in Saskatchewan and moved to southern Alberta after attending university in North Dakota.  I love the prairies!  Now that I have a family of my own, I appreciate that we are close to relatives.  I've always dreamed of taking 6 months to a year off from teaching and moving the family to Europe to live and learn.  Maybe when my kids are a bit older.

7 - What is your favourite meal?


I'm not a fan of eating out, so my favourite meal would be something that I make myself. I'm more of a dessert person, so I always make sure I leave room for the sweets at the end.  

8 - If you had a magic lamp, what would you wish for?

A permanent contract!!  I have had to give up two permanent contracts with two different school districts in my career, and now I'm starting over AGAIN.  I would love the security of a permanent full-time contract.  I think I'm dreaming for this year though.

9 - What is your favourite colour and why?

I had a student ask me this just the other day.  I colour-code the clothes in my closet (please don't judge) and blue and black are pretty prominent.

10 - Who is your inspiration?

My kids. 

11 - What motivated you to start a blog?

3 Reasons: 
1) I thought writing a blog would be a good way to document activities I've done with my students.
2) I like that a blog challenges me to come up with new teaching ideas that I can share with my followers (yep, all 3 of them).
3) And if it helps with my TpT sales, that would be a bonus. :)

11 Random Facts About Me:

• I do not own a coffee maker because I don't drink coffee.
• I graduated high school with pretty much the same 12 kids I started Kindergarten with.
• I love Disneyland!
• I am NOT a morning person.
• I am a middle child.
• My first teaching assignment was Grade 9, even though I had interviewed for the Kindergarten position.  I ended up teaching junior high for eight years.
• I wish I could whistle with my fingers.
• I love Nicholas Sparks' books.
• I could spend my entire summer eating raspberries and strawberries.
• I am working on Project Life.  This is the third time I've scrapbooked a 365 album.
• I went through 2 labours with absolutely no painkillers.  Not even a Tylenol.

Thank you to The Purple Teacher for this opportunity!

I SPY ... Fun!

My Grade 4s did a little research on the Canadian Shield region of Alberta.  After, they were asked to make a list of 15 items that represented things in this region.  For example, a plastic Lego tree represents the forests in the region.

I asked the students to bring items from home or to make them in class.  The items were placed in a baggie and filled with rice or noodles.  I borrowed the rice from the sensory tables in the Kindergarten and Grade 1 rooms.

Students typed their list of items and attached it to the bag.  Then students switched bags and searched for the items on the list.