Ecological Literacy

Here are two wonderful examples of ecological literacy in action at Clairlea. First off, Ms. Vincent's Grade 7s are learning about plastic and the impact it has on the planet. These grade 7s have also contributed to the plastic water bottle fish display that was just installed outside the library. Scroll down for close-ups.

On a related note, Miss Lowen's Grade 2s and 3s have been tackling the issues surrounding deforestation, plastic bags, and water in the form of persuasive writing. Talk about future essay writers! Fantastic work. For more, swing by the bulletin boards of Ms. Vincent and Miss Lowen.

Plastic is Forever

Our Primary Green Team has been learning about the problems associated with plastic water bottles. Why buy water when we can bring a refillable bottle? Toronto tap water is clean and very safe to drink. Also below, you'll see displays from our "Getting to School the Greener Way" campaign. Congratulations to Ms. Vincent's Grade 7s who won. As well, you'll see pictures of our recycling depot at the front of the school and old shoes being transformed into works of art in Mme. Demeter's Art studio. Amazing!

Let's not forget our swell "Lights Off" data collector. 

Brickworks

Recently, our Grade 2s visited Evergreen Brickworks. There, they learned about groundwater, animal and plant species, and had a chance to hike around the grounds and build beaver lodges with mud and found natural materials. Good clean fun! 

Simple Ways to Help the Earth

Here are some links for sites that offer oodles of suggestions for being more ecologically friendly. If you have other suggestions, leave a comment.

100 Ways to go Green - Load of tips!

http://100waystogogreen.blogspot.ca/2007/01/100-ways-to-go-green.html

Create something great with junk.

http://www.kid-at-art.com/

http://down---to---earth.blogspot.ca/

Thrifted Chic

http://grunge-queen.blogspot.ca/

Below are some images from Mme. Paré's Senior Kindergarten class. Does your child have a nature collection? Why not start off with a rock collection in an egg carton? Take a long nature walk down in the Don Valley, or in one of Scarborough's many wonderful parks. What do you see? What did you touch? Is there a small treasure you can bring home?

Green Moments 2012

Above and below: Grade 1 & 2 students from Ms. Hawkins' class learn about groundwater, the ancient art of water dowsing, and participate in a water walk after learning about the dangers and hard work involved in obtaining well water for some women in African countries. 

Above and below: Scenes from Clairlea's 2012 Earth Hour Day including Ms. Moledina's naturally lit classroom, a dusky hallway and one of three photocopiers shut off for the entire day. Classrooms kept lights and computers off all day, not just for an hour. Bravo!

Above: Students from several classrooms cleaned up the school yard on Earth Hour Day. Hurrah! Below, Grade 1 & 2 students from Room 108 plant seeds and write promise letters to Mother Nature on Earth Hour Day. 

Mme Paré's awesome display of environment books in the library. 

Our amazing Primary Green Team. Not everyone was in the picture. Can you believe we have over 80 students involved? We should be in the Guinness Book of World Records for this. 

The Primary Green Team make dual language signs about ecology with Mme. Volakhova's assistance. 

Above and below: The Primary Green Team plant lupines for the school ground. Like Miss Rumphius, they want to make the world a more beautiful place. 

Miss Lowen's terrific grade 2s and 3s respond to The Lorax by writing passionate letters to Toronto mayor Rob Ford about cars and the environment. You go!

Grade 1s & 2s from Ms. Hawkins' class get up close and personal with nature as part of a Language activity on descriptive writing. 

Mme Paré has been encouraging students to contribute to "Clairlea Cares About the Planet" campaign. The back wall in the library is filled with images and ideas of what some of our great kids are doing to help the earth. 

The Primary Green Team recently met in the library to watch a film and have a meaningful discussion about e-waste and the toxic chemicals toys are adding to soil and groundwater. 

A grade 1 student in Ms. Hawkins' room sorts animals into their families. 

More to come.
Teachers, is your class working on projects connected to the environment? Email pictures to Ms. Hawkins and we'll include them here.