Greenfield School

Today we went to Greenfield Elementary with Heather who is Janice's daughter. Heather is a specialist teacher who works with autistic children in several different schools. We started the day in a grade 3 class (Y4). The first 20 minutes of the day was whole class teaching of phonics followed by cursive handwriting. The lesson is scripted for the teacher. They had an interesting writing strategy with four lines each denoted by pictures so for R you go up to the sky, down to the grass, trace back up to the sky, tuck in a big belly, angle down to the grass and into a tail.
Heather took two, 'pullout,' sessions with small groups. The groups were looking at how to recognise emotions, facial expressions, words to use, how to get back to the 'green' zone and expected and unexpected emotions and actions. Heather had great questioning skills and really knew her stuff. We really enjoyed discussing her researched approach and getting deeper insight to how it all works.
The children at this school get a 20min morning break and 40 mins for lunch (20 eating, 20 playing). Not all the children are out together, it is a rolling break with all the teachers out with the children - no morning coffee! Inside the restroom doors are reminders for children (photo). We then went to a grade 5 class where the children were in groups practicing plays, some were able to practice in the corridors. From there they went to reading groups were they had photocopied fables to read with comprehension questions.
We called into Riley's class (Crissi's daughter) and her friends were very excited to see us and hear our funny accents. Riley joined us for lunch in Heather's room while a special needs lunch club occurred. Annie and Riley went out into the playground to meet some of Riley's friends while I tried to organize meeting with Debbie (my host last time I was here) later that day.
The administrator (Principal) met with us and presented us with water bottles and holders and a lovely T shirt. We chatted about how the system worked, the role of the district and direction of education. Heather took us back to Crissi's place for a brief stop before Annie headed off to meet connections she had through Laura's exchange. I think she was meeting both Evan's parents and Mitchell's parents. I went off with Debbie and met up with her ex husband, daughter in law and two beautiful granddaughters Sophia and Abigail. It was lovely to catch up and share family news.

Opps first photo is upside down.