Today something amazing happened. I had a parent come to my classroom and ask how her daughter was doing in class. We talked quite frankly about the challenges she has faced, the success that she has had this year, and the things that she can improve on. We didn’t dwell on the report card, comments,…

When I was in student in school, I absolutely hated math. When I went to teacher’s college, I discovered a new appreciation for the subject that I had dreaded all those years. It was all thanks to a brilliant professor that we had who passed on to us his passion for mathematics. Well, at least…

There are some universal laws that are so simple and easy to understand that they often get lost. These laws have been written down time and time again but they have sometimes been misinterpreted. Universal laws are broken every day and unfortunately, we often don’t see the consequences that go along with breaking them. As…

Writing is probably one of the most amazing tools that we have. I was reminded of this last month. I was at a really low place in my life. I was feeling depressed and miserable. I couldn’t figure a way out of my bad mood. It seemed like I was stuck. But then Thanksgiving came…

Last month, I was given the key to the city, sort of speak. It was the annual Doors Open event in London, Ontario. I was able to visit 9 different tourist attractions and sites of interest. Here are a few of the highlights. Banting House – National Historic Site of Canada Sir Fredrick Banting woke…

This is the news article that has been the topic of much discussion today. http://www.vancouversun.com/life/Calgary+family+signs+homework+deal/2241272/story.html A family in Calgary has won the right for their children not to be assigned daily homework. I think this is an amazing thing. I actually contemplated not assigning homework myself this year. However, I was told that my board…

I love the colour of our currency but sometimes I write a cheque. I like going to the Recreation Centre but we just call it the Rec. I practise my strokes and analyze my technique to get efficient and speedy at the 50-metre freestyle in the olympic-sized pool, which is spelled with a Zed. I…

Please remember to be kind today. After all it is World Kindness Day. The fact that we even need such a day is awfully telling. The world is often not a kind place. Yet, it can be. And it all starts with YOU. That’s right, YOU. No one else can make the world a more…

I never understood the phrase “Lest We Forget.” To me, “lest” looks too much like “let’s” and of course, “Let’s forget” is something that we never want to do. I was glad that we had some Veterans come into my class yesterday and talk to my students. I think it was enlightening for them. My…

Here are some of the pumpkins that my students carved in the computer lab this week. Check out this cool website to virtually carve your own pumpkin. http://www.theoworlds.com/halloween/ I wish everyone a Safe and Happy Halloween tonight!