Vases for Mom; Glass Painting
I found the idea in a pioneer crafting book and right away I knew it would make a great gift for Mother’s Day. I found 3oak the glass paints and vases at Michael’s... READ MORE
Embrace the riches of life
I found the idea in a pioneer crafting book and right away I knew it would make a great gift for Mother’s Day. I found 3oak the glass paints and vases at Michael’s... READ MORE
As we drive through Delta lately, we notice 8-10 Eagles perched on trees, standing in fields and on fences. If you are ever out in the Ladner area, and love natural settings, I... READ MORE
The school that I teach at decided to hold a school-wide “Cardboard Challenge“, inspired by the youtube video “Caine’s Arcade“. There were many reasons why we decided to take on this challenge, but... READ MORE
It seems like an old concept, “hands-on” learning; but isn’t that what the new curriculum in British Columbia is really all about? I always feel inspired by the local “Hyde Creek Salmon Festival”.... READ MORE
I enjoy a fall weekend away, just to relax, spend time together and to notice the changes of the season. Fall walks are my favourite kinds of walks. Through the woods, or even along... READ MORE
We’ve had plenty of days like this lately, but in my opinion, it’s the best weather for berry-picking. We have farms like these a few blocks from our house, which makes it convenient. And... READ MORE
We’ve been starting our summer out right with all of our favourite beginning of summer activities. This is the Point Roberts Marina. I’ve been getting more time to run. Here’s my favourite route... READ MORE
My students have been beyond excited to learn about the first Canadian Explorers, especially the stories, the risk and the adventure. I came upon this book, called Northwest... READ MORE
I found the idea in a pioneer crafting book and right away I knew it would make a great gift for Mother’s Day.
I found 3oak the glass paints and vases at Michael’s craft store.
The students practised on paper first. Ideally, I would have liked to have them study spring flowers and create still life drawings, but due to time, we practised some designs on paper with curved lines and various dot flowers.
Then the excitement of painting on real glass.
The students were happy with their work.
I coated each design with a clear glaze for extra protection. I recommend using a gloss finish.
A pleasing gift to take home for mom. She can use it for candles, candy, stones, fresh-cut bouquets,
As we drive through Delta lately, we notice 8-10 Eagles perched on trees, standing in fields and on fences. If you are ever out in the Ladner area, and love natural settings, I highly recommend a trip to Westem Island in any season. It had been awhile since we had visited the Reifel Bird Sanctuary, but each time we do, it is well worth the trip.
The kids never seem to old to feed the ducks!
North Dyke,
View from the lookout tower,
Seaward Dyke,
Inner Trails.
A birdwatcher’s paradise!
The school that I teach at decided to hold a school-wide “Cardboard Challenge“, inspired by the youtube video “Caine’s Arcade“. There were many reasons why we decided to take on this challenge, but one reason is that it meshed well with the kind of learning and goals put forth in the new British Columbia curriculum; much of it using inquiry, group work, engineering and working with a specific material. The students’ enthusiasm for the project was evident in the creativity and construction that resulted:
Air hockey table with a real fan inside,
Hogwart’s style castle village,
Scenes from the Lorax,
Cardboard city
Ball-shoot arcade-style game,
Just the beginning of many learning “challenges” to come, I’m sure!
It seems like an old concept, “hands-on” learning; but isn’t that what the new curriculum in British Columbia is really all about? I always feel inspired by the local “Hyde Creek Salmon Festival”.
It is usually pouring rain (half of it is held outdoors), but it is still very popular, even crowded and my kids have loved it every year. It amazes me that they still like to do the simple crafts, but the best part is all the stimulating learning.
The puzzles, the bright posters,
live animals, and both live
and dissected salmon.
My twelve-year-old daughter was thrilled to put on a glove and touch the salmon inside and out. How many more ideas can spring board from these kinds of experiences?
This kind of learning environment inspires what I would like to replicate in my own classroom, both space-wise and activity-wise.
Of course the cookie-making and popcorn are a slight draw too.
I enjoy a fall weekend away, just to relax, spend time together and to notice the changes of the season.
Fall walks are my favourite kinds of walks. Through the woods, or even along the shore.
Quiet activities are brought out, like reading, puzzles and various games.
There is something comforting and fun about Autumn jobs. Even in the grey weather there are things to admire and appreciate. Fall goodness.
We’ve had plenty of days like this lately, but in my opinion, it’s the best weather for berry-picking.
We have farms like these a few blocks from our house, which makes it convenient.
And the best part is the baking with the berries! We used this recipe from loveandoliveoil which turned out pretty well!
I think there’s more sun just around the corner!
We’ve been starting our summer out right with all of our favourite beginning of summer activities. This is the Point Roberts Marina.
I’ve been getting more time to run. Here’s my favourite route at Point Roberts.
Berry-picking at Emma Lea Farms on Westham Island. We got the very last of the raspberries. It was quite an adventure finding them tucked in the center and bottom of the bushes.
Forth of July Parade at Point Roberts.
Forth of July cook-out.
Heading to the fireworks!
Here’s to a summer of celebration and adventure!
My students have been beyond excited to learn about the first Canadian Explorers, especially the stories, the risk and the adventure. I came upon this book, called Northwest Passage, written and illustrated by Stan Rogers. The students were so intrigued by the voyages of John Franklin, including the extreme conditions and mysterious disappearances. The book has such powerfully painted illustrations which inspired us to paint as well.
The project took a total of three lessons. The students started by painting the background with cool colours, after observing the colours and brush strokes in the artwork of the book.
Next lesson, after the paint had dried, the students did practice ships and sea animals, by looking closely at examples from the book. When they had a picture that they liked best, they drew it with pencil on their paintings, then outlined with sharpie.
When finished, they used brown and white paint mostly to add colour to their ships.
To finish it off, if they wished, the students used glue to add blue sparkles to their oceans.
They look fantastic on display and the students are proud of their work!
A great lesson that I would recommend trying!
Over the holidays, I get time to enjoy the things I love the most:
To name a few; running and hiking in nature,
trips to the library to take out many books,
time spent with family,
goofing off with friends,
and time to enjoy peacefulness, thankfulness,
and contentment.
Also, time to meditate on the mystery of God’s unconditional love for us: “…I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. Today in the town of David a Savoir has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Luke 2:10-12.
Hope you find time to do the things you love the most this holiday season.
Our family enjoyed an excursion to the historical site at Fort Langley. They had many hands-on activities to teach about the past, such as barrel-making and blacksmith work.The kids loved the gold-panning too, because they actually found some “nuggets” of gold.
The village makes a rather Christmasy jaunt, including a craft fair, candy shop, bookstore (with built-in coffee shop), and a bit of antique window shopping.
I highly recommend Fort Langley as a fun, old-fashioned trip.