There is so much information to remember about the specifics of every classroom, learning community, teacher and school. Below is a list of some of the most frequently asked questions and their answers:
What is Inquiry?
Inquiry is a journey that begins with the learner. It lives organically in the classroom, integrated into all subject areas, providing the learner with the opportunity to wonder, explore and discover. An inquiry topic or question provides a unique lens through which children can make meaning of the curriculum in an authentic way; in a way that makes a difference to them and the world around them. It is the common thread, the essence of the learning, during a particular time of study.
It is not something that happens instead of the foundational skills of Language Arts and Math. It is a way of teaching and learning - a way of thinking - that values student voice and engages the learner in a personalized way.
Inquiry brings the curriculum to life, inviting students into a collaborative learning environment in which they make sense of the world around them through play, conversation, creation and discovery.
Continuous documentation of the learning process allows teachers and learners to communicate, assess and reflect on the learning.
How will I know how my child is doing at school?
Assessment is ongoing. Teachers use a combination of formative and summative assessment tools to evaluate a student's achievement of grade level expectations. Report cards go home in December and June this year.
How is my child going to learn how to read and write?
Literacy is integrated into EVERYTHING we do.
individual experiences in reading and writing, vocabulary development, word work and opportunities for listening and representing.
Students are exposed to rich literature in many forms.
Literacy includes daily reading and writing experiences. Every literacy task has multiple entry points allowing students to access the task at their individual ability level. Students learn how to advocate for themselves when support is required and to challenge themselves when possible.
Literacy learning takes place in a variety of contexts; one on one support, partner work, small group intervention focused on a specific skill, large group instruction, etc. We are fortunate to have EA support provided by Miss. Taha.
Will there be a home reading program?
Yes! More info to come...
For now, read anything and everything whenever you can :)
Can I volunteer in my child's learning community?
We would love to have you! Let us know if you would like to come in.
Some volunteer opportunities include reading with and to kids, Calgary Reads (training required), prepping teaching/learning materials, field trips and residencies.
Volunteers MUST HAVE a CBE clearance!
How do I contact my child's teacher?
If you have questions or need to speak with your child's teacher, you can do so through email or by setting up an appointment to meet in person.
