The Newest Editions to My Toolbox

Embracing the West: Learning Opportunities at the Calgary Stampede

Moving to Calgary cannot be complete until one finally goes to the annual Calgary Stampede.  A cherished tradition for more than 100 years, the Stampede is a cherished and integral part of this city’s culture and history.  Not only was I excited to don my cowboy hat and partake in the festivities, but I was also very interested to see the learning opportunities that the Stampede provided.  How can I connect cowboy heritage to, say, Argentine gauchos?  What are the differences in agriculture and how do they impact a society?  Resources can be found at The Calgary Stampede: Education which will help me create a deeper connection to our community and abroad.

Teachers Pay Teachers: Finding Resources in English and Spanish

Since I still have not been told which grade I will teach in September (it will be between gr. 4-6), I need to find some resources that can be used across the junior grades.  Also, since there are not many stores that sell Spanish resources and classroom aids, I can use this site to search for materials from the US but can be printed here.  I plan on looking for posters, videos, worksheets, and extension exercises that can be used to support the students’ learning in Spanish and support the teachers who have created the resources.

Creating A Space For Learning

Pinterest is quickly becoming a hub of ideas for me and what I can do in the classroom.  As a high school teacher, I know what those classrooms look like, but what makes an effective junior classroom?  How can I organize it for better learning?  How do I display topics and students’ work to grab attention but not be distracting?  Since the school will provide some resources, how do I organize them and use them to the best advantage?  This website allows me to see what experienced junior teachers have used in their classrooms and give me some inspiration to use their ideas in combination with my own.