Annual Reflection of Professional Learning

1. Annual Reflection of Professional Learning Samantha Evans 2010-2011 Collicutt School Grade 4/5

2. September During the first month of school my students explored their first inquiry of City building and planning. This was something that was new to me as well as my students.

3. Inquiry • Students were interested in the city of Chicago • We looked at pictures, books, websites and shared our thoughts and stories • We went on a city field trip to compare Winnipeg to Chicago • It was a huge learning experience for me because it was the first time I was in partnership with my students learning. • I had no idea where this journey was going to take us and what would come out of our project.

4. Changes in my classroom • Students became inspired and engaged • Students became motivated and shared their learning in class and at home with their family • Their ideas were recognized and their learning was documented • During parent-teacher conferences, students were excited to show their parents their thinking and that their learning was documented • Students were fully involved and this project took a path that was not envisioned by me

5. October Andy Goldsworthy Art Study

6. Exploring art and nature Grade 4/5’s and Kindergarten buddy Andy Goldsworthy • Students learned about sharing their thinking with a younger student • They helped with documentation and creation of art • We discussed how nature is beautiful and how we need to care for our environment

7. November Roots of Empathy

8. During Roots of Empathy I noticed a change in my students. • Students showed empathy, spoke their emotions, and we had many discussions about bullying and solving problems • I developed a different relationship with my students, seeing them care for a baby

9. December School Wide Study of Africa • My class studied all different countries in Africa. • Each group of students researched, explored and presented their country. • I was surprised by their incredible presentations and engagement in their learning.

10. Africa Due to different programs on the Smartboard and laptops, my students explored on the PowerPoint program and designed well thought out and organized presentations with no pre-teaching.

11. January Festival du Voyageur

12. February Snow Day

13. March Vincent van Gogh Study

14. April Brush Out Poverty

16. May Arts Camp

17. June Camp Arnes

18. Year Reflection • I had many feelings of success this year. When I have the chance to look back and see all of my students accomplishments I realize that I did make a change in my students lives. • Many students grew by showing maturity, empathy and confidence. • I was fortunate to see students gain confidence. One student in particular came into grade 4 not being able to read. He is now leaving me as a reader, able to read in front of the class with his peers.

19. I feel that the entire year I was worried about crossing things off my list and making sure that certain areas were covered. • I was constantly questioning myself and wondering if I was doing enough and how I can do things better. • I am proud to say that even though I didn’t tackle every task on my “to-do” list I created relationships with my students that will be ever lasting. • Every year I will grow and learn from previous lessons, situations, discussions and relationships. • I am pleased to say that this year was successful and with time I will have a greater feeling of accomplishment. Samantha Evans