Laura Simmons

Grade 7/8 teacher at Silverheights P.S.

[Laura Simmons @LauraTSimmons]

We've been doing a read aloud all about the power of language, and have been brainstorming our own lists of powerful words. Ss will then be picking one word and creating a free verse poem expressing the importance of this word to them. So cool to see their brainstorms! @silwrdsb

[Silverheights 5B Hawks @5BHawks]

We had a great time listening to the Grade 8s make pitches for the best Sustainable City design today. Some excellent ideas! Well done 8-2. It was hard to decide where to spend our "Simmons Bucks". 😁 @LauraTSimmons

[Laura Simmons @LauraTSimmons]

@semadter @silwrdsb Will do some time this weekend! 👍

[Laura Simmons @LauraTSimmons]

We’ve been working on an interview mini unit, to help in supporting our classroom community through creating connections. Today I asked students why they thought I had them do this assignment. Here’s their thoughts. Look like they got it! @silwrdsb

[Laura Simmons @LauraTSimmons]

@semadter @silwrdsb Hey! I can send stuff to you if it helps! We’re doing it before we get into some heavier stuff to have connections to build on :)

[Silverheights PS @silwrdsb]

We @silwrdsb remember and give thanks….

[Laura Simmons @LauraTSimmons]

Today in Geography, we considered what sustainability looks like. Ss investigated the United Nations SDGs and decided which 5 they thought were most important to creating a stable and sustainable country. @silwrdsb

[Laura Simmons @LauraTSimmons]

@MsBMacPherson Oh my goodness! This is awesome! I hope you guys are well :)

[Laura Simmons @LauraTSimmons]

As a part of geography, we are looking at pull factors that draw people to live in certain parts of the world. Ss researched a community in Canada to find what draws new people in and pitched their community to their peers! @silwrdsb #humangeography

[Laura Simmons @LauraTSimmons]

To illustrate how area impacts population density in geography, we used cubes to represent millions in population and stacked them on proportional areas of a variety of countries. Afterward we calculated population density of a variety of countries around the world. @silwrdsb

[Laura Simmons @LauraTSimmons]

@silwrdsb Thanks to @MsDolbeersClass for the square problem!

[Laura Simmons @LauraTSimmons]

We have been investigating the skills mathematicians develop. Today was creativity! Ss completed the nine dots problem to "think outside the box," and worked in teams to create as many unique square combos as they could using 12 strips of paper! @silwrdsb #thinkingoutsidethebox

[Laura Simmons @LauraTSimmons]

To begin planning our classroom community, Ss identified aspects of Grade 7 that they loved and things they would change. Then we broke it down into three actionable tasks for me that they felt would help make their year amazing in Grade 8. Here’s their ideas! @silwrdsb

[Laura Simmons @LauraTSimmons]

Summer learning day 3! We discussed stereotypes about WHO mathematicians are (and that WE are mathematicians), drew our skip counting hopscotches, used number lines and built bridges with a single piece of paper (skip counting by 2s, 5s, and 10s to fill it with snap cubes).

[Laura Simmons @LauraTSimmons]

In summer learning, we tried to find as many ways as we could to represent multiplication problems, created a giant number line with skip counting, designed skip counting hopscotches (we’ll be placing these on the tarmac tomorrow!) and played “raging rectangles.” What a busy day!

[Laura Simmons @LauraTSimmons]

Reflections and gratitude on the second last day. We learned so much this year, including that “we are all cousins,” how to self regulate using a timer, and how to be leaders to kindies. So lucky for this amazing, silly, accepting, open and joyful class. @silwrdsb @ms_cmiranda

[Laura Simmons @LauraTSimmons]

Passion project presentations today! So far we learned about some of the Greek Gods, got to see a coded presentation about Elon Musk and finally got a deep dive into Skyrim and all its worlds!😀 Student voice and choice in action! @silwrdsb @ms_cmiranda

[Laura Simmons @LauraTSimmons]

Kindergarten buddies today made collaborative tree art then danced up a storm to practice for Monday. Things are really better when you’re dancing! @silwrdsb @ms_cmiranda

[Silverheights PS @silwrdsb]

Awesome day @silwrdsb with so many Juniors participating in Track and Field!

[Laura Simmons @LauraTSimmons]

Today we got the opportunity to read our marvellous creations for the kindergarten buddies we have outside! We got to demonstrate our pride in being authors today. Way to go 5/6B! @silwrdsb @ms_cmiranda