Category Archives: Learning is About Wondering, Questioning and Problem Solving
Knot Here: Communities that promote lifelong learning
Each summer, the oceanside village of Pugwash, Nova Scotia celebrates Harbourfest. In addition to cardboard boat races, a soap box derby, crafts and music, families and friends are invited to engage in Knot Here: A Trail of Nautical Knots. This … Continue reading
Close looking: “O that she knew she were . . . a balloon?”
From: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/kitchener-waterloo/balloon-twisting-team-canada-world-convention-mickey-mouse-1.4585695 At Beyond the Apple, we’re always looking for an intriguing image that provides an anchor to “cog up” a student’s problem solving. When we saw Canada’s Twisted Team recreate Romeo and Juliet’s balcony scene in balloons, we knew … Continue reading
Gosling Glen and Duckling Dell: Street signs that make us think
Driving through Amherst, Nova Scotia, I saw this street intriguing sign. The elementary school teacher in me was intrigued. For the rest of my drive, I thought about how to use this image as an anchor for a project that … Continue reading
Close Looking (1): An “After the Storm” Beach Alphabet
At Beyond the Apple, we’re always looking for an interesting image or piece of text to create an engaging anchor for a lesson. Who knew we’d find our next image on a Nova Scotia beach after a mid-summer Nor’easter? After … Continue reading
Close Looking (2): Using logos to develop critical thinking
You may know about close reading as a “thoughtful, critical analysis of a text that focuses on significant details or patterns in order to develop a deep, precise understanding of the text’s form, craft, meanings, etc.” (nieonline.com) But have you … Continue reading
Close Looking (3): What is this?
Spotted on the door of a classroom: When students enter this classroom, a “Wondering Prompt” such as an image, soundscape, or object invites them to look closely, listen closely, or read closely. Students begin each day with a mindset focused … Continue reading
What Does Problem Solving Look Like?
We can learn a lot by taking a close look at problem solving in action – particularly when the problem solver is very young and the challenge is just difficult enough to encourage them to build on what they know. … Continue reading
