Kids In Action - Article Expectations

Students have begun to write Informational Articles for their Kids in Action projects. They will be writing about two big ideas:

                                1. research (what they have learned about their big question, spin-off questions)

                                2. the action - description of action that is happening, which supports cause or issue.

Each article will be included in a published book! This means that each student will have a place to share what they have learned and what they feel passionate about. Please refer to the pictures below; they are young activists already in action around the world, and we will be designing our own Kids In Action articles to resemble these! 

Please note that the expectations listed here are the same as what has been sent home, posted in class and  inside each student's KidBlog accounts. As well, expectations have been shared digitally to their google drive. Students are expected to type their article using a Google Doc. Lessons about how to format their documents will be ongoing in class.
Remember, please ask questions - we are here to help! Happy writing!

Article Expectations

• 250-300 words
• 12 point font
• typed into a two-column text box
• one colour photograph connected to your topic (no colour printing available at school)
• problem solver/picture block (will be provided)
• content: researched information
• content: description of action/about your role

Click on the link below (or copy the link into the url window) for the Success Criteria for the Kids in Action article:

Article Success Criteria

Due Date: Friday, March 13th. 

Adequate class time will be given, but home support will be necessary for those who do not use class time effectively.

Look at what we got to do today! Thanks to the Earth Rangers for coming to West Bayfield and teaching us about your animal ambassadors and how we can participate in saving wild animals! Check out the serval in the video - what an amazing animal!

Put on your Dancing Shoes!

If you have a chance, go to the link below and you'll see the dance that students learned. (In case you are wondering, the video is posted on my professional you-tube account, with settings turned on to private. Only those with an invitation (the link below) can have access to this video.) Enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GbIouvfRDLU

What a fun week we had with Mel, from Moving Art. She had great energy, and got even the most reluctant of dancers to find their groove. This is the dance they learned in 4 40-minute lessons, and then performed for some other grade sixes. Well done!

Watch out world, these kids are out to make a difference!

KIDS IN ACTION! 

(It's happening...right now!)

If you are a parent, grandparent, guardian, family or friend of a child in grade six at West Bayfield Elementary School, we all are hoping you have heard of Kids in Action. Because that's just what all of them are up to. They are busy researching and learning about human rights issues all across the globe, including here in Barrie. They've debated, thought and discussed everything from endangered animals to homelessness and poverty issues, to abandoned landmine fields in developing nations to international adoption, and from incurable diseases and water-poor countries to unequal access to sports and recreation.

It's amazing actually. These are entirely passionate kids. This inquiry project has taken hold in all corners of our classrooms, and they truly are kids in action. Now, our first stage of 'inquiring' is starting to wrap up, and students are in the planning stages of how and what they are going to do to support the cause or issue that they care about. The possibilities are endless: volunteering at a local non-government organization, raising money by shovelling driveways or hosting 'garage sales', making bracelets or artwork to sell, hosting bake sales, interviewing local policy makers, or writing letters to organizations that already are making a difference.

Just below there is a link to fill in details about due dates, expectations, guidelines and assessments for this project. Now that each student has picked their topic, developed a basic understanding of their topic, they will have a chance to create, present and act. Please click on the link for a detailed list of what this Inquiry Project is all about.

Project Expectations

As always, please call or email me at school if you have any questions!

(mvandermolen@scdsb.on.ca)

Here's a cool video of a few people out making the world a tiny bit better for people struggling with homelessness and poverty. And it's a good reminder for all of us to live generously and take care of each other.

And then there is this guy, offering hugs to strangers. We had a lively discussion about this one on Valentine's Day. Would you hug him? Is this a good thing to do? How does this "disturb the peace?" What do you think??

Science Fair!

Early in February, we had a great morning of kids showcasing their creativity and critical thinking skills. Each student had to develop a project using their knowledge and understanding of static and current electricity and then prepare a project that included the construction of simple circuits. Thanks to all of the parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, family, friends and supporters who came out to witness these young inventors displaying their inventions! We are all so proud of them!

 

Maya Penn - A Girl with an Idea!

We watched this video today, of Maya Penn, a young entrepreneur. Here she is speaking at Ted Talks, about how she creates beautiful, environmentally-conscious clothing/accessories, and why she does it. It just starts with one idea!

Be Inspired!

Every idea started somewhere...

And despite all types of obstacles, people persevere. This is GRIT!