A Deeper Understanding Of Conflict

I think all art comes out of conflict. When I write I am always looking for the dramatic kernel of an event, the junctures of people's lives when they go in one direction, not another. 

-Joyce Carol Oates

This week in our Grade 5/6 class was filled with engaging activities that deepened our understanding of conflict and its resolution. 

Our students embarked on an inquiry project, interviewing various members of our school community, including teachers, parents, staff, and fellow students. Their goal was to uncover the common reasons conflicts arise, to explore the feelings associated with conflict, and to discover effective resolution strategies.

Through these interviews, the children gathered a wealth of information that they then organized using different visual organizers. This collaborative effort encouraged teamwork and critical thinking, as they sorted through their research to make sense of the various perspectives shared. It was inspiring to see how effectively they worked together in their groups, learning from one another and building on their findings.

In addition to their inquiry work, the students completed their Lego stop-motion videos. These creative projects focused on conflict and conflict resolution stories that the children crafted, drawing from the different types of conflict discussed in class. The videos are now available on Seesaw, showcasing the students' creativity and understanding of the concepts explored.

To conclude the week, the students went on an enriching field trip to the Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art and the Kobe City Hall. At the museum, they encountered various art pieces that depicted the Great Hanshin Earthquake, which occurred 30 years ago. This experience allowed them to connect the themes of conflict, particularly those that occur within ourselves, in nature, and within society, during significant events like natural disasters.

Furthermore, their visit to the Kobe City Hall provided a fascinating look into local governance. The children learned about how the city operates and the decision-making processes that affect citizens daily. They connected this knowledge to their current unit, recognizing that conflicts arise frequently as communities work to meet the diverse needs of their residents.

Overall, this week has been a blend of inquiry, creativity, and real-world connections. Our students have not only developed a deeper understanding of conflict but have also honed their collaboration and communication skills. We look forward to seeing how they continue to apply these insights in their learning journey.

Have a wonderful weekend to all of you.

Your homeroom teacher, 
Ms. Pam

Tiny Moments

 Everything is sacred when you take time to notice.

Big love happens in the small moments.

-JJ Heller

Our life is made up of tiny moments. They are but significant pockets of time that when put together, make our life story more meaningful. It can be found in many of our firsts, lasts, and in betweens -- like the first time we experienced snow, or the last time we saw our beloved pet, or the slow and quiet pauses where we can savor the beauty around us.

This week was in abundance of small but significant moments for the Grade 5/6 students. It came in the form of new skills unlocked, deepened friendships, and personal goals met. Have a look at some of the beautiful memories we made: 

Have a wonderful long weekend to all of you. 

Your homeroom teacher, 

Ms. Pam

Exploring Different Types of Conflict

Difficulties are meant to rouse, not discourage. 

The human spirit is to grow strong through conflict. 

-William Ellery Channing

 This week in our Grade 5/6 classroom, we continued our journey in the Dueling Club, inspired by the magical world of Harry Potter. Our focus was on a thought-provoking question: Should we reveal magic to the world? 

Through this discussion, students were encouraged to explore the different perspectives of characters, examining their motivations and the implications of their choices.

Following our debate, we delved deeper into the concept of conflict, guided by our central idea: Reaching a resolution to conflict can be influenced by the actions and reactions of all involved. This theme allowed students to unpack the complexities of conflict and understand its nuances.

To enhance our understanding, we introduced the various types of conflict, including:

Person vs. Person

Photo by Yumiko and Yusei

Person vs. Self

Photo by Anna and Soichiro

Person vs. Nature

Photo by Jason and Chuyeon

Person vs. Society

Photo by Kento and Yuzuki

Person vs. Supernatural

Photo by Kohaku and Leon

Person vs. Technology

Photo by Yuiko and Moe

Students expressed their comprehension of these conflicts through creative Lego minifigure photography, showcasing their interpretations and insights. This hands-on activity not only engaged their creativity but also solidified their understanding of the different conflict types.

To further illustrate the concept of conflict, we watched clips from various movies. This visual medium allowed students to identify and analyze the different conflicts presented in storytelling. The discussions that followed were rich and insightful, as students shared their observations and reflections on how conflict shapes narratives and character development.

Overall, this week's activities were not only educational but also fun, as students learned to view conflict from multiple angles. By connecting literature, film, and hands-on creativity, we fostered an environment where students could think critically and collaboratively.

Have a wonderful weekend to all you.

Your homeroom teacher, 

Ms. Pam