Grade 2s Embark on Diversity Learning

September 17, 2021

Academics

GNS

The Grade 2 classes have kicked off their school year by diving right into their IB Unit of Inquiry that will explore the theme of “Who We Are.” They are inquiring into the central idea that “a community is shaped by the diversity of its people.”

Students in Mrs. Wild’s and Ms. Newman’s classes went to Power To Be at Prospect Lake to enjoy the fresh air and the rain. They learned about different ways to be inclusive and ways to adapt to the barriers that are around us.

Power to Be is a non-profit organization that believes everyone belongs in nature and that finances, cognitive, physical and social barriers should not prevent anyone from accessing the outdoors.

The Grades 2s enjoyed a packed day on their inclusion trip, which started with games and icebreakers. They then participated in three different activity stations where they looked at the physical adaptations that have been made for the site. They took tours of the property to see the adaptations made to the campsites, bathrooms, and the waterfront. They even had an opportunity to share their ideas on how to make the site more inclusive.

Following the tours, the students hiked to the play forest to conduct some plant identification of invasive and native plants and to talk about the importance of biodiversity.

Students also learned how adaptive recreation works and got to look at the TrailRider (a lightweight, single-wheeled wheelchair) and hippocampe (a beach and all-terrain wheelchair). They were shown how adaptive pontoons and gloves can make kayaking accessible.

This field trip was just the start of their inquiry where they will continue to observe the adaptations made within their community that can ensure everyone is included. Next up they will learn how to perform “O’Canada” in sign language and will make a special presentation in a Friday Morning Online assembly in honour of Terry Fox.