Nov 25 - 29

In math we looked at fact families.We noticed how the 3 numbers can take alternate positions in an equation to make it true. (i.e. 1+2 =3,  2+1 =3, 3 - 2 =1, 3 - 1 =2)

In science we did an experiment to determine what material would be the best to make an umbrella out of. Me made predications & then tested them to get our results. We also discussed even if the material is waterproof what would be the BEST to make an umbrella out of. Ask me what absorbent means.

I can compare the amount of water that will be absorbed by different materials.

I can identify if a material is likely waterproof or not.

I can tell you what materials would be goo at carrying water in.

We looked at some paintings of Ted Harrison.  He is a well known British-Canadian artist that highlights the beauty of Northern landscapes. This connects to us studying Iqaluit, Nunavut in social.

"Life is a rainbow road, multicoloured with the most brilliant hues and contrasting with the darkest tones. It is illuminated by the light of success, and rutted by the tracks of failure. Tears of sadness and joy wash its surface while the clouds of doubt and insecurity dapple its course. As we traverse this highway we can reach the highest pinnacles or descend to the darkest valleys."

- T. Harrison

I can identify & compare the geographic region of Iqaluit including landforms and bodies of water in relation to Alberta.

I can think about how the cultural characteristics of the Inuit people contribute to Canada’s identity.

This week we managed to get to spend some time in our learning commons' maker space. 

"It is a place where young people have an opportunity to explore their own interests; learn to use tools and materials, both physical and virtual; and develop creative projects."

-L. Flemming

On a side note:
Last year I worked as the resource teacher & although I blogged weekly many of my posts were not viewed all that much because I was not attached to a classroom. In light of an event that happened at my brother-in-law's school this past week I would like to reshare one of my posts from April 2019.

Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)

On average more then 10 people die daily of suicide in Canada. 
Suicide is the 9th leading cause of death in Canada.
For every suicide death there are 5 self harm injuries / hospitalizations reported

This week I had the opportunity to take part in a 2 day workshop for suicide prevention.  There were 30 educators from across the Calgary Board of Education that took part. Just as Standard First Aid & CPR are meant to save lives, ASIST is a different kind of first aid but the goal is the same. 

Goals of the course:
- recognize the signs that someone is thinking about suicide or killing themselves
- understand the stigma  & cultural implications around mental health & suicide 
- understand how personal attitudes affect views of suicide & not allowing these to imply judgements
- identity the elements to creating a safety plan & the actions required to support a person's  immediate safety
- learn the importance of self-care & promoting life

Vulnerable Populations:
- teens
- LGBTQ community
- indigenous
- mid-life crisis
- divorcee
- homeless
- incarcerated
- widower
- addicts

Gems I took away:
- talking means HOPE
- anyone is capable of suicide - no age or race or demographic is not effective
- you do the best you can in the space you are in to support others
- ones perception is their reality
- you are NOT there to solve the problem, you are there to hear, listen & create a plan from them to be SAFE RIGHT NOW
- the language has changed: you now say "a person has completed suicide OR has suicided"

KIDS HELP PHONE: 1800-668-6868
Calgary Distress Centre: 403-266-1601