Beyond 4 Walls
@k2westacres.bsky.social
We are a Kindergarten class at Westacres PS, exploring our world, making sense & sharing our discoveries. Learning together. Inquire with us! Teachers: Fynes, Pimentel and class.
This morning’s warm, wet weather gave us an idea: we didn’t want to use the playground wet, so we went on a Fun Friday Expedition… first stop, the rocks and “the berry tree forest” along the Nine Creeks Trail. Students hid in the lower branches while others watched robins eating berries in treetops.
November 21, 2025 at 4:46 PM
This morning’s warm, wet weather gave us an idea: we didn’t want to use the playground wet, so we went on a Fun Friday Expedition… first stop, the rocks and “the berry tree forest” along the Nine Creeks Trail. Students hid in the lower branches while others watched robins eating berries in treetops.
Some symmetry and radial patterns grew at this centre during tabletop play this morning.
ML: It’s a beetle. Here’s the head (pointing) and here’s the tail (other end).
HC: I made a flower (first pic). Look, I added more to my pattern.
ML: It’s a beetle. Here’s the head (pointing) and here’s the tail (other end).
HC: I made a flower (first pic). Look, I added more to my pattern.
November 13, 2025 at 4:25 PM
Some symmetry and radial patterns grew at this centre during tabletop play this morning.
ML: It’s a beetle. Here’s the head (pointing) and here’s the tail (other end).
HC: I made a flower (first pic). Look, I added more to my pattern.
ML: It’s a beetle. Here’s the head (pointing) and here’s the tail (other end).
HC: I made a flower (first pic). Look, I added more to my pattern.
Stories told yesterday at the play dough table.
L: I was making a pancake.
H: I was rolling & then I used the house stamp.
S: I made a moon. 1st I made a circle, and then I made another circle, but it made the moon.
L: I was making a pancake.
H: I was rolling & then I used the house stamp.
S: I made a moon. 1st I made a circle, and then I made another circle, but it made the moon.
November 12, 2025 at 8:30 PM
Stories told yesterday at the play dough table.
L: I was making a pancake.
H: I was rolling & then I used the house stamp.
S: I made a moon. 1st I made a circle, and then I made another circle, but it made the moon.
L: I was making a pancake.
H: I was rolling & then I used the house stamp.
S: I made a moon. 1st I made a circle, and then I made another circle, but it made the moon.
Today, the last group of students worked on making poppies with the leaf-printing technique we learned last week. Here LS shows the second step: roll the leaf and lift to reveal the print. Beautiful!
November 10, 2025 at 9:26 PM
Today, the last group of students worked on making poppies with the leaf-printing technique we learned last week. Here LS shows the second step: roll the leaf and lift to reveal the print. Beautiful!
What a snowy start to the week! We had lots of fun out on the playground this morning. The slides were faster, the leaves were frozen, and snow was good for snow angels and castles.
And when we came in, wet from the snow? The heater was on nice and warm to dry our mittens.
And when we came in, wet from the snow? The heater was on nice and warm to dry our mittens.
November 10, 2025 at 6:37 PM
What a snowy start to the week! We had lots of fun out on the playground this morning. The slides were faster, the leaves were frozen, and snow was good for snow angels and castles.
And when we came in, wet from the snow? The heater was on nice and warm to dry our mittens.
And when we came in, wet from the snow? The heater was on nice and warm to dry our mittens.
Families, we have so much to share that it’s hard to believe it was only 2 weeks. Please visit the digital classroom space to see the latest “Ask Me About” collection. Students really enjoyed these today, asking us to go back, zoom in, talking about what they enjoyed.
We hope you hear all about it!
We hope you hear all about it!
November 7, 2025 at 8:59 PM
Families, we have so much to share that it’s hard to believe it was only 2 weeks. Please visit the digital classroom space to see the latest “Ask Me About” collection. Students really enjoyed these today, asking us to go back, zoom in, talking about what they enjoyed.
We hope you hear all about it!
We hope you hear all about it!
We went out around the schoolyard this morning before the rain came. AJ and CS gathered a bunch of leaves, when A called me over. He said, “It’s Canada, see?” And C held up one of his maple leaves to compare. Yes, 🍁 like 🇨🇦. The leaves lead to so many observations. #TreeInquiry
November 7, 2025 at 4:54 PM
We went out around the schoolyard this morning before the rain came. AJ and CS gathered a bunch of leaves, when A called me over. He said, “It’s Canada, see?” And C held up one of his maple leaves to compare. Yes, 🍁 like 🇨🇦. The leaves lead to so many observations. #TreeInquiry
Another day of students collecting leaves, so another day of experimenting with paint.
Yesterday’s leaf prints were fun but they turned out muddy & splotchy. We decided to try again. Today, we used sponges instead of brushes and added a roller to smooth the leaves out. It was an interesting process.
Yesterday’s leaf prints were fun but they turned out muddy & splotchy. We decided to try again. Today, we used sponges instead of brushes and added a roller to smooth the leaves out. It was an interesting process.
November 5, 2025 at 8:33 PM
Another day of students collecting leaves, so another day of experimenting with paint.
Yesterday’s leaf prints were fun but they turned out muddy & splotchy. We decided to try again. Today, we used sponges instead of brushes and added a roller to smooth the leaves out. It was an interesting process.
Yesterday’s leaf prints were fun but they turned out muddy & splotchy. We decided to try again. Today, we used sponges instead of brushes and added a roller to smooth the leaves out. It was an interesting process.
Painting explorations continues in K2. As trees give us free materials, we keep trying new things.
We have tried painting on leaves and pressing them. We have tried painting over leaves and leaving a cool shape. We painted on crayon resist prints. What else to do? We'll see what tomorrow brings!
We have tried painting on leaves and pressing them. We have tried painting over leaves and leaving a cool shape. We painted on crayon resist prints. What else to do? We'll see what tomorrow brings!
November 4, 2025 at 9:13 PM
Painting explorations continues in K2. As trees give us free materials, we keep trying new things.
We have tried painting on leaves and pressing them. We have tried painting over leaves and leaving a cool shape. We painted on crayon resist prints. What else to do? We'll see what tomorrow brings!
We have tried painting on leaves and pressing them. We have tried painting over leaves and leaving a cool shape. We painted on crayon resist prints. What else to do? We'll see what tomorrow brings!
CS found an interesting creature while we were out riding bikes, & protected it. It was bigger than any beetle we’ve seen around here. CP thought it might be a cricket until he looked closely. HC wondered if it could be an “oil bug” but we weren’t sure.
Has anyone else seen this big insect before?
Has anyone else seen this big insect before?
November 4, 2025 at 8:52 PM
CS found an interesting creature while we were out riding bikes, & protected it. It was bigger than any beetle we’ve seen around here. CP thought it might be a cricket until he looked closely. HC wondered if it could be an “oil bug” but we weren’t sure.
Has anyone else seen this big insect before?
Has anyone else seen this big insect before?
Interest in gifts from tree continues, as more students learn to use the forked guides and leaf posters to identify leaves from around the yard. We heard many excited voices as friends found matches. “I got this one!” “Is it an oak?” “Look, I found one like yours.”
#ReadTheWorld #TreeInquiry
#ReadTheWorld #TreeInquiry
November 4, 2025 at 8:48 PM
Interest in gifts from tree continues, as more students learn to use the forked guides and leaf posters to identify leaves from around the yard. We heard many excited voices as friends found matches. “I got this one!” “Is it an oak?” “Look, I found one like yours.”
#ReadTheWorld #TreeInquiry
#ReadTheWorld #TreeInquiry
Day 3 of our pumpkin cooking experiences - here’s what we used.
Day one was roasting spicy and salty seeds. Day two was a tray of sweet and a tray of spicy pumpkin. Today, we baked cakes - one plain, one with pumpkin seeds. Once again, a delicious smell in K2.
Day one was roasting spicy and salty seeds. Day two was a tray of sweet and a tray of spicy pumpkin. Today, we baked cakes - one plain, one with pumpkin seeds. Once again, a delicious smell in K2.
November 3, 2025 at 4:53 PM
Day 3 of our pumpkin cooking experiences - here’s what we used.
Day one was roasting spicy and salty seeds. Day two was a tray of sweet and a tray of spicy pumpkin. Today, we baked cakes - one plain, one with pumpkin seeds. Once again, a delicious smell in K2.
Day one was roasting spicy and salty seeds. Day two was a tray of sweet and a tray of spicy pumpkin. Today, we baked cakes - one plain, one with pumpkin seeds. Once again, a delicious smell in K2.
Happy Hallowe’en, family and friends!
Today was day 2 of our pumpkin cooking experiences. Yesterday’s seeds were a big hit, but we wondered if today’s (1 sweet, 1 salty) roasted pumpkin would be as popular. Yes!
Both flavours were gone in minutes. We ran out before anyone could ask for thirds.
Today was day 2 of our pumpkin cooking experiences. Yesterday’s seeds were a big hit, but we wondered if today’s (1 sweet, 1 salty) roasted pumpkin would be as popular. Yes!
Both flavours were gone in minutes. We ran out before anyone could ask for thirds.
October 31, 2025 at 3:33 PM
Happy Hallowe’en, family and friends!
Today was day 2 of our pumpkin cooking experiences. Yesterday’s seeds were a big hit, but we wondered if today’s (1 sweet, 1 salty) roasted pumpkin would be as popular. Yes!
Both flavours were gone in minutes. We ran out before anyone could ask for thirds.
Today was day 2 of our pumpkin cooking experiences. Yesterday’s seeds were a big hit, but we wondered if today’s (1 sweet, 1 salty) roasted pumpkin would be as popular. Yes!
Both flavours were gone in minutes. We ran out before anyone could ask for thirds.
It’s an exciting day in K2. We voted for a face to carve on our large pumpkin, and then got to work opening, scooping and cleaning all of our pumpkins. Words we heard while cleaning them up: goopy, sticky, slimy, messy, stringy, yucky, fun.
Seeds were saved, and cleaned for part 2: cooking.
Seeds were saved, and cleaned for part 2: cooking.
October 30, 2025 at 3:32 PM
It’s an exciting day in K2. We voted for a face to carve on our large pumpkin, and then got to work opening, scooping and cleaning all of our pumpkins. Words we heard while cleaning them up: goopy, sticky, slimy, messy, stringy, yucky, fun.
Seeds were saved, and cleaned for part 2: cooking.
Seeds were saved, and cleaned for part 2: cooking.
We were visiting the baby tree to water it, when ML asked if she could have a turn, since “I wasn’t here when you planted it.” Friends showed her how tall it was, and how we added ribbons so everyone could see the little tree in the grass.
October 29, 2025 at 8:31 PM
We were visiting the baby tree to water it, when ML asked if she could have a turn, since “I wasn’t here when you planted it.” Friends showed her how tall it was, and how we added ribbons so everyone could see the little tree in the grass.
A great way to work those hand and arm muscles, to make our room smell great, and to explore changes in materials - LI has inspired friends by peeling oranges every day for snack. More friends brought oranges and saved the peels, too. So here’s one way to use those dry peels - aromatherapy 😄
October 29, 2025 at 8:25 PM
A great way to work those hand and arm muscles, to make our room smell great, and to explore changes in materials - LI has inspired friends by peeling oranges every day for snack. More friends brought oranges and saved the peels, too. So here’s one way to use those dry peels - aromatherapy 😄
A beautiful moment all started by one student and his idea. SJ built a seat and a screen, his Movie Theatre to watch “Dogman”
Friends were curious, then built their own seats and soon there was a little crowd watching Spiderman together.
Friends were curious, then built their own seats and soon there was a little crowd watching Spiderman together.
October 29, 2025 at 5:40 PM
A beautiful moment all started by one student and his idea. SJ built a seat and a screen, his Movie Theatre to watch “Dogman”
Friends were curious, then built their own seats and soon there was a little crowd watching Spiderman together.
Friends were curious, then built their own seats and soon there was a little crowd watching Spiderman together.
During our afternoon outdoor outdoor play time, we had our first “Coyote Alert” whistle. Everyone stopped, got off bikes, & came in the fenced area quickly. Well done, K2 - we know how to keep ourselves safe!
*This video was taken once we were safe inside. The coyote was further when we did our 🛑👀👂.
*This video was taken once we were safe inside. The coyote was further when we did our 🛑👀👂.
October 28, 2025 at 5:59 PM
During our afternoon outdoor outdoor play time, we had our first “Coyote Alert” whistle. Everyone stopped, got off bikes, & came in the fenced area quickly. Well done, K2 - we know how to keep ourselves safe!
*This video was taken once we were safe inside. The coyote was further when we did our 🛑👀👂.
*This video was taken once we were safe inside. The coyote was further when we did our 🛑👀👂.
Thank you to families who sent in leaves from home yesterday! They were added to our collection for our “beautiful fall” leaf stitching art.
When we gather, sort, select, arrange, stitch & display our favourite leaves, we learn to notice the many similarities & differences among them. #TreeInquiry
When we gather, sort, select, arrange, stitch & display our favourite leaves, we learn to notice the many similarities & differences among them. #TreeInquiry
October 28, 2025 at 3:47 PM
Thank you to families who sent in leaves from home yesterday! They were added to our collection for our “beautiful fall” leaf stitching art.
When we gather, sort, select, arrange, stitch & display our favourite leaves, we learn to notice the many similarities & differences among them. #TreeInquiry
When we gather, sort, select, arrange, stitch & display our favourite leaves, we learn to notice the many similarities & differences among them. #TreeInquiry
Families, we’ve been gathering fresh leaves all around the school for our leaf projects. Some students said they wanted to bring some from special trees at home. Please do! If you like, send your child with a handful of fresh (not crunchy) 🍁 🍂on Monday. We will observe, compare & enjoy! #TreeInquiry
October 24, 2025 at 8:59 PM
Families, we’ve been gathering fresh leaves all around the school for our leaf projects. Some students said they wanted to bring some from special trees at home. Please do! If you like, send your child with a handful of fresh (not crunchy) 🍁 🍂on Monday. We will observe, compare & enjoy! #TreeInquiry
MS made a story on the whiteboard.
“It’s people walking. My family. And those are hearts. I love my family.”
“It’s people walking. My family. And those are hearts. I love my family.”
October 23, 2025 at 6:38 PM
MS made a story on the whiteboard.
“It’s people walking. My family. And those are hearts. I love my family.”
“It’s people walking. My family. And those are hearts. I love my family.”
Families, did you here about our big day? We planted our baby oak tree today. We had help from our grade two friends in Ms. Ramos’s 2B class, and we all had a turn to add some soil and even a few worms to the hole where our tree will grow. It was a great way to end our day!
October 21, 2025 at 8:29 PM
Families, did you here about our big day? We planted our baby oak tree today. We had help from our grade two friends in Ms. Ramos’s 2B class, and we all had a turn to add some soil and even a few worms to the hole where our tree will grow. It was a great way to end our day!
Happy Diwali to all those families celebrating today. You were missed but we can’t wait to hear about your special day. May your day and night be very bright.
a poster that says happy diwali with candles in front of it
Alt: a golden banner that says happy diwali with five twinkling diyas in front.
media.tenor.com
October 20, 2025 at 10:27 PM
Happy Diwali to all those families celebrating today. You were missed but we can’t wait to hear about your special day. May your day and night be very bright.
LL and NS share a ramp: a story in three parts.
LL waited a long while for the ramp blocks and ball, which friends had been using. He set up a ramp, and NS came to try it. L let him take turns with him, and together they added a trap to catch the ball before it rolled away. Success! Teamwork 😊
LL waited a long while for the ramp blocks and ball, which friends had been using. He set up a ramp, and NS came to try it. L let him take turns with him, and together they added a trap to catch the ball before it rolled away. Success! Teamwork 😊
October 20, 2025 at 7:37 PM
LL and NS share a ramp: a story in three parts.
LL waited a long while for the ramp blocks and ball, which friends had been using. He set up a ramp, and NS came to try it. L let him take turns with him, and together they added a trap to catch the ball before it rolled away. Success! Teamwork 😊
LL waited a long while for the ramp blocks and ball, which friends had been using. He set up a ramp, and NS came to try it. L let him take turns with him, and together they added a trap to catch the ball before it rolled away. Success! Teamwork 😊
LS started a game and friends joined in. They used the letter shapes and our big alphabet carpet to make a letter train, and then match them up with their partner on the pattern of stones.
October 17, 2025 at 6:09 PM
LS started a game and friends joined in. They used the letter shapes and our big alphabet carpet to make a letter train, and then match them up with their partner on the pattern of stones.