Monthly Archives: January 2012

Bluffton School Symposium

Posted on January 31, 2012 by Cherra-Lynne Olthof

  I drove up with several other teachers to a little hamlet called Bluffton, Alberta today (Go on, Google it.  You know you want to.)  I watched a keynote, attended a few sessions and now I’m reflecting on my personal … Continue reading →

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To Exemplar Or Not To Exemplar…..

Posted on January 26, 2012 by Cherra-Lynne Olthof

I’ve had quite a few questions lately about if and when I use exemplars in the classroom.  I’m of two different minds on this issue.  There are definitely pro’s and con’s: PRO’S 1.  It provides a clear example of what … Continue reading →

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The Role of Competition in The Classroom

Posted on January 23, 2012 by Cherra-Lynne Olthof

There are several people who have strong feelings about whether or not you should promote competition in the classroom. Many say competition is healthy.  That it promotes kids to try and be better and therefore it betters themselves.  Competition is … Continue reading →

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Diploma Exams: Worth Their Weight In…….?

Posted on January 18, 2012 by Cherra-Lynne Olthof

You asked for a car for your birthday but settled for a computer instead….. Diploma exams are a hotly contested issue in Alberta among teachers, politicians, and the general public.  Currently they count for 50% of a Grade 12 student’s … Continue reading →

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Stock Market Math

Posted on January 16, 2012 by Cherra-Lynne Olthof

I’ve had several requests to elaborate on a project I’ve started with my Grade 8’s using the stock market to investigate the reality of integers.  Here is that project laid out with details and timelines. To begin with…..I had my … Continue reading →

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Lessons Learned

Posted on January 15, 2012 by Cherra-Lynne Olthof

I think often the best lessons our students and our kids learn are the ones that result from natural consequences.  In other words….they are learned in the moment. We started my daughter on a paid allowance this month.  She has … Continue reading →

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