Category: General Studies

Posted in General Studies

Grade One News

Posted on by jbennett31

   The Three Little Pigs Challenge

Inspired by Making a Windproof House for the Three Little Pigs by Sue Gagliardi, students designed and built three houses to withstand the huffs and puffs of the Big Bad Wolf. Using creativity and engineering skills, they tested their structures and then put their imaginations to work by writing a brand-new ending to The Three Little Pigs. What happens when the wolf can’t blow the houses down? This engaging project blended STEM, Language Arts, and narrative writing,

Our first graders had an absolute blast completing this STEM challenge! They worked together with enthusiasm, using their creativity and problem-solving skills to design and build sturdy houses. Laughter and excitement filled the room as they put their structures to the test, using a blow dryer to simulate the huffs and puffs of the Big Bad Wolf. The best part? Seeing their pride and joy when their houses stood strong! This hands-on experience not only reinforced important STEM and literacy skills but also made learning so much fun.

  Goal Setting Workshop

Our Jr. Knesset leaders took mentorship to the next level this week! Three of our standout student leaders hosted an interactive workshop for the Grade 1 class, focusing on the power of setting goals and the grit required to reach them.
The classroom was transformed into a hub of energy and focus, featuring specialized stations designed to challenge and inspire our youngest students.

 

Bridging Generations: A Visit to Hillel Lodge

Our Grade 1 students recently visited Hillel Lodge for a special morning of shared stories and connection. It was a wonderful opportunity for the children to practice their literacy skills in a meaningful, real-world setting.

The residents were a fantastic audience, listening intently as the students read aloud. Many remarked on the noticeable progress the children have made in their reading fluency and confidence since their last visit in November.

Beyond the books, the highlight of the trip was watching the natural, kind interactions between the two generations. Whether they were discussing a story or simply chatting, the children showed great maturity and respect.

  Grade One OJCS Store

To celebrate the end of our Money Unit, our classroom transformed into a bustling marketplace. This “Little Store” activity served as the grand finale, giving students a hands-on opportunity to put their hard earned coin recognition and counting skills to the test.

It was wonderful to watch the students navigate their budgets as they “shopped” for pencils, stickers, bookmarks, and toys. Seeing their excitement as they calculated prices and made change was the perfect way to wrap up our learning. All the shoppers had lots of fun!

Matzah Baking at Hillel Lodge

Our recent visit to Hillel Lodge was truly heartwarming, as our students had the special opportunity to learn how to make matzah with Rabbi Blum. It was such a joy to see the children and the residents baking side by side, sharing smiles and laughter. Afterward, everyone enjoyed the fruits of their labour by breaking and tasting the freshly baked matzah together, a beautiful moment of connection and celebration. The residents especially loved hearing the children sing their Pesach songs, filling the room with festive spirit.

Our Model Seder

Yesterday afternoon, our Grade 1 classes joined together for a wonderful mock Seder. Led by Morah Ada, the students explored the Passover story with impressive engagement and enthusiasm.

Morah Ada’s preparation was evident as she guided the children through the traditional songs and blessings. It was a pleasure to hear them recite the liturgy so confidently, showing a clear understanding of each step of the Seder. The tables were set with handmade placemats and Haggadahs, reflecting the hard work the students put into their preparations.

We are incredibly proud of how these students took ownership of the traditions. Seeing them lead the blessings reminds us of the importance of passing these values to the next generation. As we approach Pesach, we are confident they are ready to celebrate with their families.

Chag Pesach Sameach to all!

Posted in General Studies

🌟 The Latest in Grade One: Learning, Leading, and Building Together!

Posted on by jbennett31

It has been a busy and exciting term in Grade One! Our students have been exploring big ideas, asking thoughtful questions, building creative projects, and growing as responsible members of our classroom and community. Here’s a peek at what we’ve been up t

📚 Growing Strong Readers in Grade One!

We are so proud of the wonderful progress our Grade One students are making in reading!

This term, students have been strengthening their foundational literacy skills and building confidence as independent readers. They are applying their knowledge of letter sounds and vowel patterns to decode unfamiliar words and are using a variety of strategies when they get stuck — stretching out sounds, looking for chunks they recognize, and rereading to make sense of the text.

Our students are also developing fluency. As they practice, we are noticing smoother reading, improved expression, and stronger phrasing. They are beginning to read in a way that truly sounds like talking — which shows growing comprehension and confidence.

Most importantly, they are thinking deeply about what they read. During class discussions, students share thoughtful connections, make predictions, and answer questions using evidence from the text. They are learning that good readers don’t just say the words — they understand the story.

It has been especially exciting to see their stamina increase. Students are able to focus for longer periods during independent reading time and are eager to explore new books. Many are showing pride in choosing “just right” books and setting personal reading goals.

The growth we are seeing is a reflection of their hard work, perseverance, and daily practice. We are so proud of how far they’ve come — and we can’t wait to see them continue to flourish as readers! 📖✨

  🏠 Our Changing Roles and Responsibilities

In Social Studies, our focus was “Our Changing Roles and Responsibilities.” Students learned to identify the many roles they have in their lives — at home, at school, and in their community, and how those roles grow and change over time.

We had rich discussions about what it means to be a sibling, a student, a friend, and a classroom helper. When serving as Helper of the Week, students took on important jobs such as handing out papers, managing the calendar, and supporting daily routines. They approached these responsibilities with care and enthusiasm, strengthening our classroom community.

We also participated in an exciting North American postcard exchange! Students were fascinated to learn about different places and cultures. They eagerly located each class on the map, asked thoughtful questions, and were amazed by how far the postcards traveled. Representing our own community filled them with pride and purpose.

  ➕ Math in Action

Our mathematicians have been building strong foundations in number sense and problem-solving.

Students are confidently:

  • Counting by 1s, 2s, 5s, and 10s

  • Representing numbers to 50 (and recognizing numbers to 100!)

  • Using tools such as unifix cubes, ten frames, tally marks, number lines, and base-ten blocks

  • Developing addition and subtraction strategies to 20

  • Exploring place value by renaming numbers into tens and ones

We also dove into patterns and data management, where students identified, extended, and explained repeating patterns — even those with two attributes! They conducted simple surveys, organized results into charts and graphs, and drew meaningful conclusions from their data.

Most recently, we explored linear measurement, mass, and telling time to the hour and half-hour, applying our learning in hands-on and meaningful w

  ✏️ Dream Houses and Creative Writing

After reading Mimi’s Dream House, students were inspired to imagine and design their own perfect dream homes. The creativity was incredible!

From houses with swimming pools and secret passages to tree house towers and animal rooms, imaginations truly ran wild. Students wrote descriptive pieces about their dream houses and proudly displayed their work. This type of writing sparked excitement and joy — and we loved seeing their ideas come to life!

     🔬 Young Scientists at Work

Our scientists have been busy!

Students completed animal research projects and proudly presented their findings to the class, developing confidence in research and public speaking.

During our winter weather unit, we explored the Scientific Method through hands-on experiments. From investigating the states of matter to exploring how salt affects ice, students made thoughtful predictions and logical hypotheses. They observed how snow changes as it melts and even used magnifying glasses to examine the symmetry of snowflakes.

Their curiosity, careful observations, and growing understanding of scientific tools have been impressive!

  🦌 Innovation Day: Creating Wildlife Crossings

Our Innovation Day was inspired by the book
Make Way for Animals! A World of Wildlife Crossings by Meeg Pincus.

After learning about wildlife crossings around the world and how they help animals travel safely across busy roads, students asked a big question:

Could we design and build our own wildlife crossings?

Each child selected an animal to support and, working with a partner, designed a sturdy crossing that could:

  • Span at least 30 cm

  • Hold 100 grams

With determination and teamwork, students planned, cut cardboard, tested structures, revised designs, and solved problems along the way. Challenges became opportunities to rethink and improve.

Our classroom truly lived one of our North Stars: We Learn Better Together. Students supported one another, shared ideas, and celebrated successes as a team.

     💛 Thank You for Joining Us on Innovation Day!

We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the parents who visited our classroom for Innovation Day. Your presence made the day even more special!

The children were incredibly excited to share their wildlife crossing projects with you. They took such pride in explaining their designs, the challenges they encountered, and the creative solutions they developed. Seeing their faces light up as they presented their work was truly wonderful.

Your support, encouragement, and interest in their learning mean so much. Thank you for partnering with us and for helping make Innovation Day a memorable and meaningful experience for our Grade One students!

  🌟 Growing in Every Way

This term, our Grade One students have grown not only academically, but socially and emotionally as well. They are developing responsibility, curiosity, creativity, resilience, and teamwork.

We are so proud of their hard work — and we can’t wait to see what the next term brings!

During the workshop the children listened to the story invisible boy, watched a short video about learning to be an upstander did some art activities and crumpled paper to demonstrate how feelings can be hurt. It was a powerful afternoon full of learning add in this info

🤝 A Special Workshop with Grade Six

We were fortunate to participate in a meaningful workshop led by our Grade Six students, who are currently exploring themes of bullying through literature. During the workshop, our class listened to the powerful story The Invisible Boy, which sparked important conversations about inclusion, empathy, and noticing those who may feel left out.

Students also watched a short video about learning to be an up stander — someone who stands up for others in a kind and respectful way. This helped them understand that even small actions can make a big difference.

One particularly impactful activity involved crumpling a piece of paper and then trying to smooth it back out. This simple demonstration showed how hurtful words and actions can leave lasting marks, even after we say sorry. It was a powerful visual reminder about the importance of kindness.

The afternoon also included thoughtful art activities that encouraged students to reflect on how they can help others feel seen, valued, and included. It was truly a powerful afternoon full of learning, reflection, and heart. 💛

 🌷 Wishing You a Wonderful Break!

As we head into the break, we want to wish all of our Grade One families a restful, joyful, and well-deserved time together.

May your days be filled with laughter, special moments, and a little extra relaxation. We look forward to hearing all about your adventures when we return!

 

Posted in General Studies, Math, Science, Social Studies

Grade One Learning Update: So Much Is Happening!

Posted on by jbennett31

It has been a wonderful and busy time in Grade One! Our classroom is full of excitement as the children grow as readers, writers, mathematicians, and thinkers every single day.

In reading, students are building their confidence by practicing strategies that help them decode new words, read with expression, and talk about their understanding. It is amazing to see how much progress they make when they read daily, both independently and with partners.

In writing, the children are working hard in their journals. They are learning to print all the lowercase letters using proper formation and are beginning to write words and complete sentences to share their ideas. Using the Handwriting Without Tears program, the students practice specific letters each day, always focusing on starting at the top and using correct strokes. They have also been learning to answer questions in complete sentences—an important skill that helps them express their thinking clearly.

 

We’ve just begun our animal research projects, and the students are off to a great start! They are learning to be patient researchers by reading information, noticing important facts, and making simple notes. They will take these notes and turn them into their own written projects. We have also enjoyed combining art and writing, creating beautiful artwork connected to our themes and then using writing to describe and reflect on their creations.

I

n math, the children continue to practice their addition and subtraction facts to 10, building strong number sense and confidence. We have also taken a look at greater numbers and learned all about place value. We recently completed a quick unit on patterning where students created patterns using two and three attributes. Our current math unit is graphing, and the children are learning how to read data and answer questions based on different types of graphs. The students will be conducting their own surveys with classmates and graphing their findings. It should be lots of fun!

In Social Studies, we are focusing on our roles and responsibilities. Students will be interviewing their classmates about the responsibilities they have at home and how they contribute to their families and communities. We are also learning about what responsibility looks like in Grade One. The children are practicing responsibility each day by bringing their homework folders back and forth between home and school, taking good care of their library books, and keeping their lockers and learning spaces neat and organized. These daily routines help the students understand that being responsible means taking care of themselves, their belongings, and their classroom community.

 

Both classes have also enjoyed our first Zoom calls with students in Israel. It was a wonderful experience to see the children discover how much they have in common, even though they live far away. We look forward to more connections throughout the year.

This week, our school had a very special visit from Achiya Klein, an Israeli veteran and former IDF officer who lost his vision in 2013 and went on to compete in Paralympic rowing at the Tokyo 2021 Olympics. Achiya came with his wonderful guide dog and shared his inspiring story of perseverance, teamwork, and courage.

He taught us how Israeli guide dogs are trained — including learning Hebrew commands and navigating the unique landscape of Israel. Students learned how these dogs help people with visual impairments live safely and independently. The presentation was uplifting and meaningful, with an important message about inclusion, supporting others, and believing in your own strengths.

It was a memorable experience for all of us!

 

Posted in General Studies, Jewish Studies

Special Days in Grade One

Posted on by jbennett31

                                                                                                               International Dot Day

Our class celebrated International Dot Day with creativity and enthusiasm! We started by reading The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds, a story about discovering creativity and confidence. Inspired by the book, the students imagined what they could create starting with just a dot. Their imaginations ran wild, and they came up with some amazing, colorful dot-inspired art pieces. Check out some of their wonderful creations below!

Grade One had a wonderful time collaborating with SK for Dot Day! Together, the childrenused their imaginations and creativity to turn a simple dot into unique and beautiful creations. Morah Dikla joined in the fun and introduced the students to the artist Yayoi Kusama, who is famous for her vibrant and joyful dot-inspired artwork. The children were fascinated to see some of Kusama’s pieces and learn how dots can be used in so many creative ways. Using a variety of tools and techniques, the students then made their own dot paintings, filling the room with color, imagination, and excitement for creating art that begins with just one dot!

Fun Fact: Morah Dikla was an Art teacher in Israel

 

                                                                                     Media Balance with Brigitte

Recently, we took part in a media balance workshop led by Brigitte, where the children explored the theme of unplugging from devices through the enchanting book Unplugged. The story follows a curious robot who discovers the joys of engaging in activities without the constant buzz of technology.

After hearing the tale, the children dove into a lively discussion about the robot’s journey to enjoy the simple pleasures of life—like playing outside, creating art, and spending time with friends. They shared their thoughts on how sometimes it feels good to take a break from screens and reconnect with the world around them.

To wrap up the workshop, the children expressed their creativity through drawings. They illustrated their favourite unplugged activities—like playing at the park, riding bikes, and enjoying nature—alongside their plugged activities, such as gaming and watching movies.

 

It was heartwarming to see their enthusiasm for both types of play, but it was clear that the joy of being outside with friends held a special place in their hearts. Brigitte’s workshop not only sparked important conversations about media balance but also inspired the kids to cherish those moments of connection beyond the screen.

In a world increasingly dominated by devices, workshops like this remind us all of the importance of finding that perfect balance!

                                                                                                              The Terry Fox Run

 

We celebrated Terry Fox Run Day with great enthusiasm and heart. The students gathered to hear the inspiring story Terry and Me, told from Doug Alward’s perspective—Terry’s best friend and steadfast supporter during the Marathon of Hope. Through Doug’s eyes, the children learned about the deep friendship between the two boys, how they first met, and the unwavering encouragement Doug gave Terry throughout his remarkable journey.

After hearing the story, the students felt truly inspired by Terry’s courage, determination, and hope. Filled with energy and purpose, they ran many laps around the school in our very own Terry Fox Run, showing that every step counts in keeping Terry’s dream alive.

The Terry Fox Run was a fantastic event at OJCS! The day began with an inspiring assembly that motivated the children with Terry’s story. The students were eager to participate, and their energy was contagious as they completed many laps around the field, all with the biggest smiles on their faces. Fun fact: our Grade 1 students are incredibly fast runners! Perhaps it’s time to start a track team at OJCS! 

                                                                                                           Orange Shirt Day

In Grade One, we observed Orange Shirt Day with care and compassion. The children listened to a story written by Phyllis Webstad, who shared her own experience and the meaning behind her favourite orange shirt. Through her story, the students learned that every child matters and that Orange Shirt Day is a time to remember the importance of kindness, respect, and inclusion for all children. After the story, the students designed their own orange shirts, each one symbolizing care and belonging. Together, they then created a meaningful orange paper chain to show what children need for a good life. Some of the links read, “Children need love,” “Children need to feel safe,” “Children need healthy food,” “Children need clean water,” “Children need hugs,” “Children need joy,” and “Children need their family.” Each link reflected the students’ growing empathy and understanding that every child deserves to be cherished and cared for.

 

 

Last week, the children took part in an exciting Sukkah STEM challenge! Working with a partner, they were tasked with building a Sukkah that had at least three walls and a roof that allowed the stars and sky to be seen. The twist was no glue or tape allowed! This made the challenge even more interesting as they had to think creatively about how to make their Sukkah stable. Some students made clever slats in the cardboard, while others used yarn to sew the walls together. Morah Ada and I were so impressed with their teamwork, creativity, and perseverance. The children showed patience, problem-solving skills, and wonderful collaboration throughout the project!

 

 

 

The children had such a wonderful time during our Sukkah Hop! They visited different Sukkot, played a fun game of bingo, and enjoyed shaking the lulav and etrog with Moreh David. There were exciting relay races that had everyone laughing and cheering for their teams. To top it all off, the children made delicious edible sukkahs using graham crackers, pretzels, and candies. It was a joyful day filled with hands-on learning, celebration, and lots of smiles!

 

A Big Thank You to Our Parents

Lastly, we’d like to give a huge thank you to all the parents who have helped support the homework routine for all three languages. Your encouragement and involvement make a big difference, and we truly appreciate your efforts in helping the children get off to such a strong start. It will get easier after all the holidays. 🙂

 

 

Posted in French, General Studies, Jewish Studies, Ruach, Science

Grade One Update

Posted on by jbennett31

 

 Our Model Seder

Yesterday afternoon was nothing short of magical, as our grade one classes gathered for a heartwarming Model Seder. Under the loving guidance of Morah Ada, our students were taken on a meaningful journey through the story of Passover. Their enthusiasm filled the room with joy. Morah Ada’s thoughtful preparation was evident in every detail. She led the children through the songs and blessings with care, making sure they understood the meaning behind each part of the Seder. It was touching to hear their sweet voices singing and reciting, fully embracing the spirit of the holiday. The tables were beautifully set, each one adorned with hand-made placemats made in Art class and personalized Haggadahs coloured by the children in Jewish Studies. Their pride in their work shone brightly, as they took ownership of the Seder—setting the table, leading blessings, and participating with heartfelt enthusiasm. We couldn’t be prouder of our students. Their curiosity, respect for tradition, and joyful participation remind us of how special it is to pass on the customs of Pesach to the next generation.

As we approach the holiday, our hearts are full of gratitude for moments like these—rich with learning, tradition, and love.

Wishing everyone a Chag Pesach Sameach. May your Passover be filled with joy, blessings, and the warmth of family.

At the Model Seder yesterday, the children were given a special clue after finding the afikoman

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The clue invited the students on a treasure hunt today. The adventure took us all over the school, as the students teamed up to read and solve a series of clever clues. With each stop, their excitement grew as they worked together, using their reading skills and sharp thinking to uncover the next hint. The final clue led them to a hidden treasure box—and inside, instead of just one afikoman, they discovered a treasure trove of books! It was a joyful and meaningful end to a fun-filled journey.

 

In French, we talked about the traditions of Pessah and the special foods we eat during this holiday. The grade 1 students were paired with the grade 2 students, and together they shared what they love most about Pessah. I hope you enjoy their answers.

 

As we approach the holiday, our hearts are full of gratitude for moments like these—rich with learning, tradition, and love.

Wishing everyone a Chag Pesach Sameach. May your Passover be filled with joy, blessings, and the warmth of family.

 

Matzah Baking at Hillel Lodge

Our recent visit to Hillel Lodge was truly heartwarming, as our students had the special opportunity to learn how to make matzah with Rabbi Blum. It was such a joy to see the children and the residents baking side by side, sharing smiles and laughter. Afterward, everyone enjoyed the fruits of their labour by breaking and tasting the freshly baked matzah together—a beautiful moment of connection and celebration. The residents especially loved hearing the children sing their Pesach songs, filling the room with festive spirit. This was our third visit, and each time feels more meaningful than the last. One resident, a former teacher, was particularly touched—and we were excited to invite her to visit our classroom in the near future! Week was terrific! The children had so much fun dressing up and embracing the spirit of each day with excitement and creativity. Their energy and enthusiasm filled the school with joy!

   Zones of Regulation Workshop

The students participated in a meaningful Zones of Regulation workshop with Ms. Beswick. Together, they explored the different zones and had an engaging discussion about the green zone—the optimal zone for learning, focus, and calm. The children eagerly shared their personal strategies for returning to the green zone when they find themselves feeling upset, tired, or overly excited. Each student received a special booklet, also known as their “toolbox,” where they’ve started to record the strategies that work best for them. It was a powerful step in helping students build emotional awareness and self-regulation skills.

  La Semaine de la Francophonie

In General Studies, we celebrated La Semaine de la Francophonie by learning to read and sing the French lyrics to O Canada! Our students worked hard to practice and then surprised Mme Efi and Mme Maryse with a heartfelt performance of the national anthem in French. They were delighted by the special gesture! In math, as part of our geometry unit, we took on a creative challenge—using pattern blocks to design maple leaves. It was a fun and meaningful way to connect our learning with the celebration of French language and culture!

 

   Ruach Week

One of the highlights of the week was a heartwarming visit to Hillel Lodge, where the students made graggers with the residents in preparation for Purim and the reading of the Megillah. It was a beautiful moment of connection between generations, bringing smiles to everyone involved. A special highlight was two students enjoying time with their grandparents who reside there. These visits not only enrich our students’ lives but also strengthen community bonds. 

 

Purim wrapped up the week. The whole school enjoyed the reading of the Megillah, our graggers were put to good use.

We had a in class fashion show, the costumes were fantastic!

 

The students participated in fun games that had everyone cheering and laughing. The excitement continued as classmates exchanged Mishloach Manot , sharing delicious treats and spreading Purim joy.

A special thank you to all the parents who generously sent in treats for the Mishloach Manot ! Your support helped make this week even more special. Ruach Week truly captured the spirit of celebration, community, and fun—what a wonderful way to prepare for Purim!

 

Inspired by Making a Windproof House for the Three Little Pigs by Sue Gagliardi, students designed and built three houses to withstand the huffs and puffs of the Big Bad Wolf. Using creativity and engineering skills, they will tested their structures and then put their imaginations to work by writing a brand-new ending to The Three Little Pigs. What happens when the wolf can’t blow the houses down? This engaging project blended STEM, Language Arts, and narrative writing,

Our first graders had an absolute blast completing this STEM challenge! They worked together with enthusiasm, using their creativity and problem-solving skills to design and build sturdy houses. Laughter and excitement filled the room as they put their structures to the test, using a blow dryer to simulate the huffs and puffs of the Big Bad Wolf. The best part? Seeing their pride and joy when their houses stood strong! This hands-on experience not only reinforced important STEM and literacy skills but also made learning so much fun.

 

Photos by Bella

 

 

To top off our Three Little Pigs STEM Challenge, our students took on a creative writing challenge—rewriting the ending of the classic tale! With their imaginations running wild, they crafted new and unexpected conclusions, from clever tricks to outsmart the Big Bad Wolf to surprising twists that turned the story on its head. The children were fully engaged, and their stories were not only inventive and entertaining but also showcased their growing confidence as storytellers.

Posted in General Studies

A Fabulous First Week Back!

Posted on by jbennett31

What an exciting and heartwarming first week back from the break! The children jumped right into learning and exploring, making wonderful connections along the way.

One of the highlights of our week was a special Zoom call with children in Israel. The students eagerly shared their favorite meals, asked thoughtful questions, and even had a lively discussion about the weather. They were amazed to learn that while we think 2°F is relatively warm this time of year, their friends in Israel found 6°F to be extremely cold! It was a great way for the children to gain a new perspective on how weather feels different depending on where you live. We also had the opportunity to learn about the different ways they celebrated Tu B’Shevat, which was a wonderful cultural exchange.

 

Another memorable moment was our visit to Hillel Lodge for a lovely reading buddy session. The children were kind, respectful, and so sweet with their new friends. It was particularly special for two students who had the chance to see their grandparents who live there. The joy on their faces was priceless! We are already looking forward to our next visit, where we will be making a special Purim craft together.

 

Finally, we celebrated a huge milestone—the 100th day of school! The students loved celebrating the 100th day of school on Monday. They wrote 100 words in Hebrew and French. They even counted to 100 in all three languages. The children visited different stations throughout the day. They built 100 piece Lego structures, made 100th day monsters, and worked on 100 math problems.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted in French, General Studies, Jewish Studies, Ruach, Science

Tu B’Shevat and Innovation Day

Posted on by jbennett31

Celebrating Tu B’Shevat in Grades 1 & 2! 🌳🌿

On Wednesday, our Grade 1 and 2 students came together to celebrate Tu B’Shevat, the New Year for Trees! It was a wonderful day of learning, discovery, and appreciation for nature.

The children enjoyed listening to stories about trees, learning how they grow and why they are so important. They also got their hands dirty planting seeds, a perfect way to connect with the holiday’s theme of renewal and growth. We thank Moreh Liad from SK for teaching us about planting and bringing us so many seeds to plant.

In the classroom, students worked on Hebrew and French activities related to Tu B’Shevat, strengthening their language skills while deepening their understanding of the holiday. They worked on puzzles, practiced unscrambling sentences and completed tree-themed word searches, making learning fun and engaging. In French, they explored the names of native trees in Canada, the parts of a tree, and different leaf colours.

They also took part in a fascinating discussion comparing trees in Israel and Canada at this time of year. While Canadian trees stand bare in the winter cold, many trees in Israel, like the almond tree, are already beginning to bloom! The students reviewed their colours in French by learning what colour

To end the celebration on a joyful note, the children gathered together to sing songs and do tree yoga an in honour of Tu B’Shevat. Their voices filled the room with warmth, reminding us all of the beauty and importance of nature.

Tu B’Shevat was a meaningful and engaging experience for our young learners, helping them deepen their appreciation for the environment and the world around them. Ask your child about their favourite part of the celebration—we’d love to hear their thoughts!

                                                                 

 

                                  Grade One Innovation Day 

 Creating Wildlife Crossings

Our Innovation Day projects were inspired by the book Make Way for Animals! A World of Wildlife Crossings by Meeg Pincus. A special thank you to Brigitte, our librarian, for recommending this wonderful book as the starting point for our exploration.

After reading Make Way for Animals, we learned about wildlife crossings from around the world and how they help animals navigate busy roads safely. This sparked a big question in our class: Could we design and build our own wildlife crossings to help animals? The students were eager to take on the challenge! Each child selected a specific animal to support and began designing a crossing that would allow their chosen species to travel safely.

The Challenge

The goal was to design and construct a sturdy wildlife crossing that could span at least 30 cm and support a weight of 100 grams. Students chose partners to tackle the challenge set before them.

With excitement and determination, the class got to work—planning, designing, cutting cardboard, and gluing pieces together. Along the way, many students refined their designs as they encountered challenges, demonstrating patience, problem-solving skills, and creativity. Our classroom truly embodied one of our North Stars: We Learn Better Together, as students helped one another navigate building challenges.

Innovation Day Success

Innovation Day was an incredible experience! Families joined us in the classroom to celebrate the students’ hard work and creativity. It was wonderful to see the children proudly showcase their final projects to parents. Their enthusiasm was contagious, and now they are eager to take on even more STEM challenges.

As a teacher, I have to say—these projects are just as fun for me as they are for the students! Watching their curiosity, teamwork, and resilience in action is inspiring.

Highlights of Our Journey

  • Designing and Planning
  • Building and Problem-Solving
  • Applying the Scientific Process
  • Showcasing Our Final Wildlife Crossings

Our Innovation Day proved that learning can be both meaningful and exciting. We can’t wait for our next challenge!

A quick sneak peak! 

After the break, our first graders will take on an exciting STEM and storytelling challenge! Inspired by Making a Windproof House for the Three Little Pigs by Sue Gagliardi, students will design and build a sturdy house that can withstand the huffs and puffs of the Big Bad Wolf. Using creativity and engineering skills, they will test their structures and then put their imaginations to work by writing a brand-new ending to The Three Little Pigs. What happens when the wolf can’t blow the houses down? This engaging project blends STEM, Language Arts, and narrative writing, making for a fun and meaningful learning experience

 

Posted in General Studies

The Scholastic Book Fair is Almost Here!

Posted on by jbennett31

 

We’re thrilled to announce that the Scholastic Book Fair is just around the corner! We’ve already been exploring the flyers and picking out our must-have books. Even better, this year, all proceeds from the Book Fair will help us purchase new PE equipment! 😊

Dates and Times:
📅 Tuesday, December 3rd – Thursday, December 5th
1A will visit the Book Fair  on Wednesday December 4th

1B will visit the Book Fair on Thursday December 5th.

Students are also welcome to shop during the following times:

  • Before school: 8:30–9:00 (with a parent/guardian)
  • Morning recess: 10:45–11:05
  • After school: 3:45–4:15 (with a parent/guardian)

 

Posted in General Studies, Jewish Studies, Making Global Connections, Ruach, Science

An update from Grade One

Posted on by jbennett31

Our classroom has been buzzing with excitement as we dive into hands-on learning activities inspired by the changes in nature around us. Here’s a peek into the exciting projects your children have been working on:

                        Exploring Fall Leaves and the Magic of Chlorophyll

We kicked off by examining the beautiful colors of fall leaves up close! The students marveled at how the trees seem to “change outfits” with the seasons. This curiosity led us to watch a fascinating video about trees and how they rely on sunlight to create chlorophyll, which feeds the trees and gives leaves their green color. This concept sparked many “aha!” moments among the students, as they discovered why leaves turn vibrant shades of red, yellow, and orange in the fall.

We even took it a step further with an experiment: extracting chlorophyll from the leaves to reveal the hidden pigments! The students made predictions about what colors would show up on the filter paper, and many correctly guessed that we would see red and yellow. They were thrilled to watch as their predictions came to life during the experiment, seeing the colors appear like magic on the paper!

                                              Sukkah STEM Challenge

As part of our celebration of Sukkot, the students joined forces with friends from the other Grade One class for a Sukkah STEM challenge. Working in pairs, they collaborated to design and build mini Sukkahs out of cardboard, glue, tape, and sticks. This activity was all about creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving, and each pair brought their unique ideas to life. Watching them brainstorm, build, and problem-solve together was truly inspiring. And, of course, everyone had a blast working with their hands and seeing their ideas come to life!

                              Discovering the Sun and the Day/Night Cycle

Another highlight this week was learning about the sun and its role in creating day and night. We explored how it takes 24 hours for the Earth to rotate, giving us day and night. To make this concept come alive, the students did a fun experiment using a globe and a flashlight to act as the “sun.” They observed how different parts of the Earth experience daylight or nighttime as it spins, focusing especially on what happens in Canada.

This hands-on activity sparked lots of great questions: Why do some places have longer days? Why do stars come out at night? It was wonderful to see their curiosity shining as brightly as our flashlight “sun”!

                                         We learn Better Together with Miss Isabella

One day, the classroom was abuzz with excitement as Isabella, one of the students, stepped into the role of teacher. After sharing her beautifully crafted pop-up book with the class, everyone was eager to learn her techniques. Patiently and skillfully, Isabella guided Mrs. Bennett and her classmates step by step, teaching them how to create their own pop-up pages. Together, the class compiled their unique creations into The Everything Book, a collaborative masterpiece now proudly displayed in the OJCS library. Isabella’s inspiring lesson even motivated another student to create their own pop-up book, adding to the growing collection of treasures in the library.

                        Connecting Across Borders: Our First Friendship Zoom Call

We had our very first Friendship Zoom Call with students from across Israel who, like us, are learning English. It was a moment of joy, curiosity, and connection as two groups of eager learners came together to share a bit about themselves.

We began by taking turns introducing ourselves and talking about our favorite activities. The excitement was palpable as the children discovered how much they have in common. Whether it was playing soccer, baking cookies, or drawing pictures, it didn’t take long to see that hobbies know no borders. Seeing the smiles on their faces as they realized, “Hey, they like what I like too!” was a reminder of how universal childhood joys can be.

The energy and enthusiasm from this first call have us looking forward to what’s next. For our next Zoom session, we’ll dive into two delightful topics: favorite colors and the magic of Hanukkah. We’ll explore what makes this holiday special for each of us, and no doubt, we’ll learn even more about each other along the way.

This is just the beginning of our journey together, but it’s already clear how meaningful these connections are for the students—and for myself, too. We’re so grateful to be a part of this incredible friendship project, and we can’t wait to see where it takes us next.

 

                                                        A Special Visit from Grade 4

A thought-provoking question sparked a wonderful chain of learning and connection in our school. A Grade One student asked their older sibling, a Grade Four student, “Did God create the walls and the roads?” Intrigued, the sibling brought the question to Morah Sigal, their Hebrew teacher, who turned it into a class discussion. Inspired by the curiosity of her students, Morah Sigal arranged for some of her Grade Four students to visit the Grade One class and share a story about creation. It was a delightful experience, especially since three of the presenters were older siblings of Grade One students, adding a personal touch. The Grade Four students read beautifully, answered questions thoughtfully, and encouraged even more curiosity. The thoughtful questions posed by the Grade One students were so inspiring, we might invite Dr. Mitzmacher to join our next discussion—he would surely appreciate their inquisitive minds!

The classroom has been filled with laughter, learning, and the joy of discovery. We’re thrilled to see our young learners exploring, asking questions, and getting their hands busy with these seasonal projects. Thank you for your support, and we look forward to sharing even more of our Grade One adventures soon!