Welcome to the 5th and final edition of Primary - Grade 9 Nova Scotia at Home Learning. In this edition, we are pleased to feature some summer reading opportunities from Nova Scotia’s public libraries, a section for Pre-Primary students, as well as options for continued learning for students in grades P-9.

While this will be the last full edition of this resource, we want families to know that we will be distributing two summer fun editions. There will be one in July and one in August. Please look for these in your flyers.

The learning packages have been cooperatively developed by educators across the province to ensure that all students have access to quality learning experiences. We want to thank the hundreds of educators who have contributed to these resources.

This newspaper supports Nova Scotia’s Learning Continuity Plan that was released on March 31. For information on the plan and additional follow-ups on assessment and evaluation for Primary to Grade 12, visit the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development website: https://www.ednet.ns.ca/

Families with internet or cell phone access can also download this edition and find an accessible version of this resource at https://curriculum.novascotia.ca/parentfamily-information.

Well-being

During this time it is important that you continue to: Eat Well by following Canada’s Food Guide, Stress Well by limiting news intake, and staying in touch with friends and family, Sleep Well by getting a minimum of 8 hours of sleep each night and Move Well by getting a minimum of 60 minutes of physical activity each day for you to Feel Well and be ready to learn.

One way we can ensure we are healthy is to use our resiliency skills e.g. sleeping well, eating well, moving well and stressing well. Resilience is defined as being strong enough to recover in difficult times. Apaji kisaskmat (Ah-bahjee-ghis-us-gmud) is the Mi’kmaw word for Resilience, which is an important part of who we are as Mi’kmaq.

Resilience is being able to grow without losing your values and who you are. The Mi’kmaq continue to build Resilience by taking care of mental health, physical health, emotional health, and spiritual health. What do you and your family do at home to build Resilience during self-isolation? How are you taking care of your mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health?

Healthy Relationships

Two Truths and A Lie

Come up with two "truths" about yourself, followed by one "lie". Then, ask your parents/guardians to guess which was which. This is a fun way to build relationships and find out things you may not know about friends or members of your family.

Secret Handshakes

Come up with secret handshakes with members of your family. They can be as simple or complicated as you decide to make them! See how many moves you can include.

Questionnaire

Take turns asking a parent/guardian in your home, or a friend through a phone call or video message, the following questions and then discuss the answers.

The Mi’kmaq learn from our Elders, stay connected with family and friends, and take the time to love and forgive. Another way is through prayer, which can simply be asking for thoughts of love for you and others.

Can you think of a person you want to send good thoughts to?

What do you miss most about school?

What do you like to do in your spare time?

What are some things you know a lot about?

What kinds of books do you like most?

What are some things that you would like to know more about?

What interesting places have you visited or would like to visit?

*Think of another question you would like to discuss.

Do Stuff Outdoors

Giving a helping hand to a family member with cleaning out a garage, yard work, gardening, something that needs to be fixed etc…

Mindfulness

A simple way to build resilience is going for a walk to connect with Nature. Did you know that mayflowers can blossom in the snow? This is an example of resilience.

Imagine yourself in the woods, there are flowers similar to the mayflower that return each year despite climate change. Would this be an example of resilience?

Create, name, or illustrate a flower that represents resilience for you. As humans, what is our relationship and responsibilities to ensure reproduction for the next 7 generations?

Mindfulness 5-4-3-2-1

This exercise is great to do when you are feeling worried or anxious.

When you begin to notice your body feeling uncomfortable, name 5 things you can see, 4 things you can touch, 3 things you can hear, 2 things you can smell, and 1 thing you can taste.

This helps us to focus on the present moment and calm our minds and bodies.

Start with this indoors then, if possible move outdoors. Did the change of location impact how you were feeling?

Mind FULL or Mindful? Nighttime Note

Empty your mind before you go to bed! Write a note about how your body is feeling and what you are thinking about. Fold it and place it aside for tomorrow.

Physical Activity can involve both fitness and fun! This issue contains activities that incorporate a physically challenging twist in traditionally non-movement based games. Can you think of other games that can be modified to make them more physically active?

P-9 Physical Activity and Wellbeing

Physical Activity

Rock Paper Scissors Squats - Two players will face-off against each other in an active game of RockPaper-Scissors.

Players stand facing each other and play Rock Paper Scissors.

Once the first round of traditional Rock-PaperScissors takes place, the initial winner assumes a squat.

If, for example, Player 1 wins the first round, they immediately drop into a squat and remain squatting as the game continues.

If/when Player 1 loses a round, they then return to a standing position, while Player 2 assumes a squat.

If a player continues to win rounds then that player remains squatting until they lose. Remember to place a positive spin on the squat —this is the winners’ reward, they get to become stronger while their opponent doesn’t.

Tic Tac Toe

1. Start with a partner lying flat on the floor and with a tic tac toe grid between them.You can build the grid using tape, hoops or even strings.

2. Individuals have 5 bean bags (or any other object) of the same colour, but a different colour than partner.

3. Partners alternate who goes first and start by facing each other in a plank position.

Repeat until one wins or until all are placed.

Healthy Habits

ABC’s for Food

Choose a Letter for the week - make a list of all the foods that start with this letter. Were you able to come up with a list of a variety of different foods?

Five Senses

The Mi’kmaq continue to build Resilience by taking care of mental health, physical health, emotional health, and spiritual health.

One way we do this is by using sweet grass, cedar, and/or sage to clear our minds, our hearts and the environment around us.

Cut up and clean various food items.

Keep the food item a surprise until after you have been able to describe the various tastes, smells and textures.

Now try to guess what the food item could be. How did your senses help you with your guess?