kids are growing well as Vanier Elementary!
remember grade 6? that magical time between little and teen. all the goings-on! in February thegreenrock.ca was delighted to spend an afternoon with the crowd of grade sixes at Vanier Elementary in St. John’s.
born in 2003, these guys are digital natives. touching buttons, navigating screens, and using media is not technology advancing, it’s how it’s always been. they are interested in lots of things – what their contemporaries are doing of course, and they love the smart phones and tablets and other devices, but they have an encouraging sense of the wider world around them. this sense is due in no small part to the grade six curriculum brought to life by the inspiration and dedication of teachers (nods to Mme Daley, Ms Meehan and Mme Chafe). these 11- and 12-year olds use technology as a tool to explore, create, learn, and take action. if thegreenrock.ca session is a good indication, critical thinking is part of the process.
thegreenrock.ca was there to talk about interactions with the planet, from climate change to the effects of natural and man-made changes in the environment. it was a lively, thoughtful, and thought-provoking conversation! these guys include a sixth R in the series of Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Rot: they Respond.
on the day of thegreenrock.ca visit, one class received accolades (and five ipads!) from Newfoundland Power for their award-winning video submission to the TakeChargeNL challenge. the video is created in the style of Family Feud (en francais!), and teaches about habits that conserve energy. the video was a hit, and it didn’t stop there. a few days later, the intent of the group was broadcast throughout the province when a student called up the VOCM Open Line show and shared energy conservation tips on behalf of the class.
also on that day, the other grade six class harvested their first lettuce! though the bell had rung, the school day was over, and it was a Friday, a stream of kids were thrilled to offer a tour of the farm. they are justly proud of their operation. the growing equipment is neat, compact, and very productive. they like the light and warmth, and the scent of earth in the classroom. but, as Emily said, the best part is the eating. harvest time is coming for tomatoes, basil, beans, and peas in the classrom at Vanier. that’s very encouraging because things are growing well.
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