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
Close Looking (4): Lots and lots of angles
Share this image with your students image and ponder the thinking questions below. What is it? (If you’re not sure, search for “transformer towers”) How many different shapes can you see? How many different angles can you see? When does … Continue reading
The Gradual Release of Responsibility: Canadian Style!
The gradual release of responsibility model requires an instructional shift from the teacher shift from assuming “all the responsibility for performing a task…to a situation in which the students assume all of the responsibility” (Duke & Pearson, 2002, p. 211).” … Continue reading
Using Old Stuff (3): Making comparisons
Completing this activity with your colleagues allows you to experience how comparing the old with the new is an engaging cross curricular experience that has many applications for classroom instruction. This activity begins with a homework assignment designed to instill … Continue reading
