Dream Weavers - Year 2

If I could describe my experiences in the learning community in three feelings, they would be: Exesstential, Freedom and Peacefulness. My first impressions of the grade four to six Learning Community when I arrived was that it was a creative and inviting space. I was kind of nervous, but also excited. Being with grade 6 students was scary at first, but once I got to know them, they were really quite nice.

Usually in a classroom it’s quite small and there’s not a lot of physical space. You don’t have room to do your own thing. The learning community had different spaces for us to use. Having choice in the physical classroom environment impacted my learning. For example, when you needed to cool down, you could go to the Zen Den and just take a minute.

During my time in the community, I have become very comfortable with my teachers. We are open with each other and can joke around a lot which makes it fun. Having more than one teacher means there is a lot more support around when I need it: if one of them is busy, there are others available. It’s nice to have multiple perspectives and see them working together. They model how collaboration can strengthen relationships.

My experience in the learning community has made me a more creative thinker and learner. It has helped me open up, be more free with my learning, and encouraged me to pursue my interests (for example during 20% time). I have gained confidence with asking for help, advocating for myself, and sharing my learning with others. I have made deeper connections, find it easier to relate to others, and have a really strong group of friends. I have also learned a lot about social emotional health. My teacher, and visitors to our community have helped me better understand others, what they’re feeling and why they act or react in certain ways.

I wouldn’t be as confident as I am today without my experience in the community. Working together (for example in math stations and writers workshop) has really helped me grow. It’s really powerful to get that feedback from my peers. I have been able to figure out who I am, and my personality. I have grown in many ways.

Sienna, Grade 6 Student

Peter Greer Elementary