3RD EDITION OF PRE-PRIMARY TO GRADE 9 NOVA SCOTIA AT HOME LEARNING. (accessible Version)

Welcome to the 3rd edition of Primary - Grade 9 Nova Scotia at Home Learning. This package also includes some ideas to support Pre-Primary students. This has been developed by educators from all Regional Centres for Education and Conseil scolaire acadien provincial in cooperation with the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development to ensure that all students have access to quality learning experiences. Families with internet or cell phone access can also download this package at the curriculum site of the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development. Teachers will have additional ideas about how to create learning opportunities for your child, particularly for students who have adaptations and/or Individualized Program Plans. Teachers will work out the best methods for learning to continue for each student in partnership with you.

This newspaper supports Nova Scotia’s Learning Continuity Plan that was released on March 31. For information on this for Primary to Grade 12, visit the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development website.

At home learning, whether it is in online, through this paper package or a combination of both, is designed to support you and your children, and not add to the stress of your circumstances. For those who require additional supports, we ask that you contact the teacher and/or principal at your child’s school. Please consider incorporating physical activity into every day. It is not only important for physical health but also for mental health.

Stay up-to-date with public health information and advice, visit Nova Scotia’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) website.

LINK TO :

Accessible AT-Home Learning Package Version 3 French

Well-Being

Taking care of your physical, social, emotional and mental wellbeing is important during uncertain times. The activities and information in this issue are to help you and your family be well.

What is the difference between physical education and physical activity?

Physical education involves purposeful movement that activates growth in all aspects of a young person’s life- physical (move), cognitive (think), emotive (feel) affective (act) (PHE Canada). Physical activity is the tool that is used to teach skills and knowledge required to support the healthy growth and development of the whole child. In this issue, you will see activities that have reflective questions included. These questions are to extend learning beyond the physical movement of the activity.

Scavenger Hunt

Develop a list of items that you would like to look for in your house or in your yard. Once you finish your list, set out to find the items.

Make Up Your Own Fitness Challenge

Choose your favorite fitness movements and create a routine. Be sure to include both upper and lower body movements. E.g. lunges, planks, squats, etc. Try to have the routine last for 20 mins or more. Tip: You can repeat a short routine.

Why is it important to have a daily routine?

Having a routine helps to organize your time and helps you cultivate positive daily habits. This week try to establish a daily routine that involves physical activity, healthy eating and a sleep pattern that is appropriate for your age group.

Why is being ‘mindful’ each day helpful for all of us? Pausing to become aware of our bodies, breath and surroundings helps us slow down, feel calm and focus our attention. By tuning out distractions, acknowledging our feelings and listening to our bodies we are better prepared to do our best each day.

Healthy Sleep Routines

Create an appropriate sleep routine for your age.

For children:

• Go to bed at the same time every night and wake up at the same time every morning.

• Keep your bedroom quiet, dark or dimly lit, and cool. Turn off/unplug devices like computers and TVs and make bedrooms electronic-free zones in the evening.

• Limit activities that stimulate your brain, such as playing video games, using a phone/tablet and watching TV, in the hours closer to bedtime.

For teens:

• If you are going to bed at a very late hour, try to change bedtime a little at a time. Go to bed 15 minutes earlier each night until the best bedtime is reached.

• Keep your bedroom quiet, dark, and cool at bedtime. It's best to remove the TV, computer, phone, and video games from your room.

• Manage your homework load. This can prevent the need to study all night before a test or stay up late to do homework.

This week’s focus will be on communicating with others, helping out, and showing appreciation to our front line workers through positive vibes!

Good Vibes Chalk

Using sidewalk chalk, write kind or encouraging messages OR draw or write the message and put it in your window for community members going for walks in your neighborhood.

Examples could be:

We are all in this together!

We got this!

Enjoy your walk!

Have a great day!

Staying in Touch

Keeping in touch with friends (daily, weekly)-google classroom, phone call, facetime, skype, etc.

• Play a game with a friend online or over the phone.

• Have a conversation with a friend or family member.

• Play a board game, do a puzzle or cards with another person.

Pausing to become aware...

of our bodies, breath and surroundings helps us slow down, feel calm and focus our attention. By tuning out distractions, acknowledging our feelings and listening to our bodies we are better prepared to do our best each day.

Sharing Positive Moments

Share one example with a parent or caregiver where you connected with someone in a positive way during your day. By speaking about something that you enjoyed, you will feel good all over again! Notice that comfortable feeling? You are aware of your body and feelings in the moment. This is practicing mindfulness.

Six Second Breathing

Take a deep, six second inhale while reaching arms overhead. Exhale slowly while counting backwards from six and slowly bring your arms back down.