News from the Nest - November 21-25
Spotlight on Learning – Composition 11
Using Socratic Discussion Circles and the novel The Kite Runner, we explored how text and story deepens our understanding of diverse, complex ideas about identity, others, and the world. Students studied a portion of the text in depth, developed thoughtful open-ended questions and had meaningful student-led discussions. During the discussion circles, student “coaches” tracked their team members use of discussion strategies and provided feedback after each round. We built towards this through small group discussions based on shorter passages, and an informal practice round. While many students were nervous to try this activity most made a concerted effort to contribute either by “coaching” or suggesting questions in the discussion.
Students were asked to reflect on this activity after both the practice and the formal discussion. When asked what they learned from the experience, students commented, “I learned a lot about what others' perspectives were on the questions and got some ideas that I had not thought about previously” and “I learned that other people's way of thinking was different from mine, and I got to see the novel from others’ insights.” When asked what they were proud of one student replied, “I am proud of the way I am able to defend my position using evidence from the text and how well I can remember the content of the book.” Students were also asked for areas for growth and how they would prepare for the next session. Many suggested strategies like reviewing summaries, taking notes, discussing with other classmates. Although many students were nervous about the group discussion, several commented that once the discussion started the nervous feeling went away. One student commented, “Even though I think it is very difficult for me, I have to try. For the next one I feel much more confident and I hope to do better.” We will revisit this activity later this semester to see how they’ve grown in their literary analysis and discussion skills. This assignment was adapted from the Institute of Play: Socratic Smackdown (https://clalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/SocraticSmackdown.pdf ).
WJ Mouat Winners at The Flood Stories UFV
WJ Mouat students won big at the UFV Flood stories project that took place this month. The following is an except taken from UFV’s website to describe the event:
Led by Dr. Michelle Superle, the Flood Stories project engages farmers in the Fraser Valley who were affected by the November 2021 extreme flooding events, inviting them and their families to share their experiences in spoken, written, and artistic format. The project uses a narrative approach (developed in consultation with narrative therapy expert, Dr. Stephen Madigan) to better understand how Abbotsford farmers have been affected by floods and what they need to begin thriving again.
See Images below
Extended Day Art – The Reach Gallery
Extended day Art Students were on a field trip to the Reach Gallery this week to check out their current exhibition: Giving Spirit to the People, New Age Warriors and becoming[un]becoming. Students photographed their favorite pieces and on Monday will share their learning and discuss the art work the class viewed. We are so fortunate that this world class gallery is so close by!
see Images Below
Multi-Cultural Week
This past week, WJ Mouat leadership students organized a multi-cultural week. On Monday we had an international carnival in the cafeteria at lunch, Tuesday was Rock your Mocs day, Wednesday students were encouraged to wear cultural clothing, Thursday was an international Food truck festival where we had four food trucks attend: Slavic Rolls, Wingerz, The Crazy Gringo, and The Fishing Panda. Finally on Friday, our theater hosted students at lunch for an international short film festival.
Thank you, Mouat Leadership, for continuing to find ways for us to celebrate our diversity!
November PAC Meeting
Parents and guardians of Mouat students are invited to our next PAC meeting this Monday, November 21st at 7pm in the Mouat Library Learning Commons. PAC meetings are a great way for parents to meet other parents and learn about past and future events happening in our school. We hope to see you there!
Don’t forget to support your PAC (and our school’s arts, athletics, and clubs) with your empties, purchases from Cobs Bread, and a donation of your gently used clothing, shoes, stuffed animals, and linens. We appreciate your support.
Character Word of the Week: Teamwork
Teamwork is working collaboratively and cooperatively to attain a shared goal.
- How it can look when put into action:
- Participating in class and school activities.
- Challenging yourself.
- Supporting and encouraging others.
- Considering how to accommodate the needs of others.
- Providing leadership.
- Being willing to follow.
