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.
Once we got to the playground, it was dry and we stayed to play. Suddenly, everyone was finding ladybugs. It really WAS warm outside today!
November 21, 2025 at 4:58 PM
Once we got to the playground, it was dry and we stayed to play. Suddenly, everyone was finding ladybugs. It really WAS warm outside today!
We also spotted what we think is the biggest worm ever.
Do you agree? It’s very big!
Do you agree? It’s very big!
November 21, 2025 at 4:56 PM
We also spotted what we think is the biggest worm ever.
Do you agree? It’s very big!
Do you agree? It’s very big!
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.
We had a little sunshine this morning and it lead to colour explorations at the window. Overheard: “Look, I made orange.” “These ones are dark, like brown.” “I can see purple inside.”
November 13, 2025 at 4:31 PM
We had a little sunshine this morning and it lead to colour explorations at the window. Overheard: “Look, I made orange.” “These ones are dark, like brown.” “I can see purple inside.”
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.
We’re ready for the Westacres Remembrance Assembly. Students made two poppies each, so one will come home for families, one stays on the wreath.
November 10, 2025 at 9:30 PM
We’re ready for the Westacres Remembrance Assembly. Students made two poppies each, so one will come home for families, one stays on the wreath.
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
The best part was the reveal, when each one was peeled back to “show the magic!”
Worth walking to the far side of the tennis courts for those tulip tree leaves. SB shows his paint magic in the video clip. He asked if he could share. 🌈🍁🖼️
Worth walking to the far side of the tennis courts for those tulip tree leaves. SB shows his paint magic in the video clip. He asked if he could share. 🌈🍁🖼️
November 5, 2025 at 8:35 PM
The best part was the reveal, when each one was peeled back to “show the magic!”
Worth walking to the far side of the tennis courts for those tulip tree leaves. SB shows his paint magic in the video clip. He asked if he could share. 🌈🍁🖼️
Worth walking to the far side of the tennis courts for those tulip tree leaves. SB shows his paint magic in the video clip. He asked if he could share. 🌈🍁🖼️
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.
Another way exploring teaches us about painting is when we notice different effects.
This leaf print didn't show the shape as TB expected it to. Was there too much paint, or not enough? These questions fuel further exploration and our observations help us refine techniques.
Play is learning.
This leaf print didn't show the shape as TB expected it to. Was there too much paint, or not enough? These questions fuel further exploration and our observations help us refine techniques.
Play is learning.
November 4, 2025 at 9:14 PM
Another way exploring teaches us about painting is when we notice different effects.
This leaf print didn't show the shape as TB expected it to. Was there too much paint, or not enough? These questions fuel further exploration and our observations help us refine techniques.
Play is learning.
This leaf print didn't show the shape as TB expected it to. Was there too much paint, or not enough? These questions fuel further exploration and our observations help us refine techniques.
Play is learning.
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
And here they are, baked until golden and cool enough to eat right on time for snack time.
Ask your child about this yummy and fun experience.
A big thank you to Sarah for all the help today! We loved having another wonderful family visitor. We might make it a habit. 🥰
Ask your child about this yummy and fun experience.
A big thank you to Sarah for all the help today! We loved having another wonderful family visitor. We might make it a habit. 🥰
November 3, 2025 at 9:34 PM
And here they are, baked until golden and cool enough to eat right on time for snack time.
Ask your child about this yummy and fun experience.
A big thank you to Sarah for all the help today! We loved having another wonderful family visitor. We might make it a habit. 🥰
Ask your child about this yummy and fun experience.
A big thank you to Sarah for all the help today! We loved having another wonderful family visitor. We might make it a habit. 🥰
Next steps: adding the “wets” to the dry ingredients, and giving it all a good stir.
It sounds much quieter now, as most of the class had already headed outside to play after helping with the cake recipe. Our stirring group added pumpkin seeds on one of the two cakes, too.
It sounds much quieter now, as most of the class had already headed outside to play after helping with the cake recipe. Our stirring group added pumpkin seeds on one of the two cakes, too.
November 3, 2025 at 9:30 PM
Next steps: adding the “wets” to the dry ingredients, and giving it all a good stir.
It sounds much quieter now, as most of the class had already headed outside to play after helping with the cake recipe. Our stirring group added pumpkin seeds on one of the two cakes, too.
It sounds much quieter now, as most of the class had already headed outside to play after helping with the cake recipe. Our stirring group added pumpkin seeds on one of the two cakes, too.
Here’s what it looked and sounded like as we started to make our mashed pumpkin and spice cake. Everyone had a chance to help in one part or another. Many hands helped today.
November 3, 2025 at 9:09 PM
Here’s what it looked and sounded like as we started to make our mashed pumpkin and spice cake. Everyone had a chance to help in one part or another. Many hands helped today.
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.
And part 5: carving.
As a bonus, Ms. Moore (who usually takes the class outside or to the gym) joined us in time to carve the face the class voted for. It looks great - what a fantastic day in K2!
As a bonus, Ms. Moore (who usually takes the class outside or to the gym) joined us in time to carve the face the class voted for. It looks great - what a fantastic day in K2!
October 30, 2025 at 11:38 PM
And part 5: carving.
As a bonus, Ms. Moore (who usually takes the class outside or to the gym) joined us in time to carve the face the class voted for. It looks great - what a fantastic day in K2!
As a bonus, Ms. Moore (who usually takes the class outside or to the gym) joined us in time to carve the face the class voted for. It looks great - what a fantastic day in K2!
Part 4: finishing the cleaning inside the pumpkins so we could carve. It took a lot of work to get all the stringy bits and last seeds from the biggest one. A few friends worked steadily for over an hour, while others came and went through the play & learn time. Good, messy work.
October 30, 2025 at 11:35 PM
Part 4: finishing the cleaning inside the pumpkins so we could carve. It took a lot of work to get all the stringy bits and last seeds from the biggest one. A few friends worked steadily for over an hour, while others came and went through the play & learn time. Good, messy work.
Part 3: the taste test.
We couldn’t have done all this without the help of our wonderful volunteer guest today, Mansi.
The pumpkin seeds were so tasty, students asked for seconds, thirds, and fifths… we ate those bowls up quickly! Ask your child about their favourite of the flavours.
We couldn’t have done all this without the help of our wonderful volunteer guest today, Mansi.
The pumpkin seeds were so tasty, students asked for seconds, thirds, and fifths… we ate those bowls up quickly! Ask your child about their favourite of the flavours.
October 30, 2025 at 11:29 PM
Part 3: the taste test.
We couldn’t have done all this without the help of our wonderful volunteer guest today, Mansi.
The pumpkin seeds were so tasty, students asked for seconds, thirds, and fifths… we ate those bowls up quickly! Ask your child about their favourite of the flavours.
We couldn’t have done all this without the help of our wonderful volunteer guest today, Mansi.
The pumpkin seeds were so tasty, students asked for seconds, thirds, and fifths… we ate those bowls up quickly! Ask your child about their favourite of the flavours.