Ghana and the Children's Festival

 What a fun-filled, action-packed, week of learning we had!  We began with our continued exploration of Ghana.

On Monday, Division 1 “went to the market".

This week, division 2 had some special guests come in to perform on the djembe drum. The kids were very engaged and learned some drumming techniques just by watching!

 

The kids then made their very own djembe drums and created drumming sequences in groups. Afterwards, they showcased their group drumming number to the class.

 

 

Olivia’s math class explored more about weight with balance scales. This week, they investigated how weighing more objects on one side usually makes the weight heavier. They were also able to put objects in order after weighing them. We used a small weight, marshmallows, gold fish crackers, pasta, and chocolate. The kids sure were hungry after each math class!

 

 

 

Divisions 1 and 2 experienced the most action-packed day ever!!  We began with a field trip to the Children’s Festival at Granville Island.  The day started with a riveting performance by Zuma Zuma which entailed African drumming, dancing, acrobatics and other amazing feats!  This was a perfect complement to our study unit.

Following the performance, all of the groups set off to discover and experience what the Children’s Festival had to offer.

There were so many things to do and see including:

Face Painting,

 

 

Origami,

 

Electricity and Play Dough,

Shadow Plays,

 

The Woven Snake,

 

And the Musical Playground!

 Our week concluded with a visit from Sage’s grandma and grandpa.  They lived in Ghana for two years.  In fact, Shannon (Sage’s mom) was born there!  Gil (grandpa) brought artifacts such as clothing,

 

toys,

 

musical instruments,

 

masks, and baskets for us to examine. 



 



 



 

 Gil also told us many things about his time in Ghana.

 

Jossie (grandma) read a traditional fable about Anansi the spider.

 

 

Many thanks to Gil and Jossie for sharing all of their knowledge, stories and artifacts with our class.

 

In finishing, we would like to thank all of our parents who volunteered their precious time to accompany us on our field trip and to set up and run the Spring Fling (which was an overwhelming success by the way!) We can’t do all of these wonderful things without you!