Harry Nowell – teacher and artistic creator

#1197 Winter debate for students

admin — Wed, 01 Mar 2023 02:19:06 +0000

Some people LOVE winter and want MORE!
Some people are SO ready for spring…
Which side are you on?

#1196 Mystery Holes – Creative Writing Prompt

admin — Wed, 01 Feb 2023 02:29:15 +0000

Designed to engage and inspire young writers and story tellers, the video below explores mystery holes found in the snow:

#1195 Weather Inquiry

admin — Thu, 01 Dec 2022 02:47:11 +0000

Where does rain come from?!:

#1194 More Trees!

admin — Sun, 30 Oct 2022 22:11:41 +0000

I recently saw a post from 3 or 4 years ago of the first tree I had planted of a small tree plantation project. It worked hard to establish itself but is growing well now. See the same tree below 3-4 years apart.

Newly planted pine tree 2018 Chelsea Quebec

Same Pine Tree 2022 Chelsea Quebec.

Tiny Forest
In other exciting news, I’ve been working towards a school based project to plant a “Tiny Forest.” After writing an initial proposal, we have received our first approval. Fingers crossed we move ahead next spring…

A tiny forest?
The Tiny Forest idea was started by Japanese Botanist, Akira Miyawaki who started planting small dense forests in urban areas. Watch the video from the BBC World Service, below for more information on tiny forests:

#1193 Trees

admin — Thu, 01 Sep 2022 01:59:05 +0000

I like trees.
And they make a great difference to our ailing earth, sucking carbon from the air.
They also help cool city streets and homes during heat waves.
You can get trees through places like Ecology Ottawa’s Tree Giveaways.

Backyard Nursery

One newly planted, carbon sucking machine.

#1192 Christine Persaud, Film Maker – Supporting New Creators.

admin — Sun, 31 Jul 2022 01:45:41 +0000

In 2021 I was approached by Christine Persaud, a film maker, who wanted to feature my process in creating the series of inquiry videos aimed at young learners.

She was hired by the Global Interagency Security Forum (GISF) to help their members create better training programmes and grow awareness of appropriate storytelling.

Christine interviewed and filmed my video creation process. You can watch her video below:

I am pleased with her video and grateful to be asked.
And very happy to help others create content…

#1191 Last Day of School!

admin — Fri, 01 Jul 2022 02:29:16 +0000

It’s been a good year:
Teaching kindergarten.
Outside when possible and appropriate.
Wonder.
Questions.
We ended the year by planting two trees in the ground.
Smiles all ’round.

Kinder maple tree.

Wishes planted around the tree!

#1190 Worms!

admin — Sun, 29 May 2022 01:03:51 +0000

During May’s rains, my kindergarten students discovered WORMS in the playground.

And the world came to a screeching halt. Plans changed. Educators pivoted and we started investigating the world of worms! Read alouds, making and measuring plasticine worms, writing about worms and… the highlight was a visit from 36 wiggly, lovely, live worms.

It was muddy.
It was messy.
I was GLORIOUS!

Investigate more:

#1189 Bird Nest

admin — Sat, 30 Apr 2022 12:30:56 +0000

A bird has made a nest 3 metres from our front door. Below is a series of very short videos documenting the bird’s nesting / laying cycle.

The bird does this most years very close to our front door and we are vey careful to be mindful of the birds’ needs.

April 20, 2022. The nest is being built:

April 25, 2022. The first egg appears:

April 27, 2022. More eggs appear:

April 28, 2022. The mama bird protects the eggs:

May 2, 2022. Our nest blew away in a wind storm (April 29th.) Eggs were lost. Mat Gorr continues to document his robin nest (Thanks Mat!):

#1188 Mystery Animal Tracks (3 Parts)

admin — Fri, 01 Apr 2022 01:45:22 +0000