At the B.E.N. events and trips are a large part of the active learning. Part of Generating Options™ includes going on trips to local places like the library, the grocery store to find out where all the vegetables and meat is stored and the veterinarian. As well, there are outings to the Ontario Science Centre, the AGO with the art teacher, the ROM, the Roy Thompson Hall to see the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Pioneer Village, Centre Island and other exciting trips.
We have visitors come to the BEN – specialists that teach the children about nutrition, taking care of their teeth and bodies, bakers and sewers for example.
We have events that include learning about Hanukah, Christmas and Eid for example. We have an annual ‘Dinner-Theatre’ where children perform plays and songs for the parents and then we all have dinner together. And our annual Pancake Breakfast event is not to be missed! Here are some snapshots of events and trips over the years.
Annual Dinner Theatre
The 'Discoverers of the Ways of the Planet' (grades 3,4) put lots of effort and concentration into creating their play, “Land, Water and Air”. The children wrote and memorized their lines, created choreography, made props, costumes, posters and tickets. Most importantly, they practiced the behaviors needed to produce a play; co-operation, persistence, calm focus and a positive attitude. There was plenty of excitement the evening of the performance! All the children’s hard work paid off in a very successful performance.
Trip to the Symphony
The Larks, Swallow and Hoopoe groups headed to the Roy Thompson Hall to experience the Toronto Symphony Orchestra in a one-hour performance for children. This incredible event introduced the children to the richness of Orchestral music and how many people can work together to make a truly exceptional work of art. The children were transfixed, what with the dancing of the ballerina, the piano’s being rolled onto the stage for a duet, and listening to a ‘story’ in music.
A Dentist Visits Our School
A dentist came to our school in April to talk with us about our teeth, and why we need to take care of them. Complete with a giant ‘mouth’ and tooth brush- the dentist showed us how to brush our teeth – and we all took the chance to hone our skills! He told us about ‘sugar bugs’ that we also call Plaque – and why we wouldn’t want to keep them around.
A Nutritional Consultant Explains About Healthy Eating
We were so happy to invite Lianne, a nutritional consultant, to come to our class and talk with us about healthy eating for our bodies. We were introduced to the concept of carbohydrates, fats and protein. We held so many different kinds of fruits and vegetables, snacked on seeds, almonds and raisins, and heard from someone other than our parents about the value of what we ingest!
Gluten-Free Baking Day
Back in December, we had a wonderful baking session thanks to Lianne, mother of Logan and Hadley, who came to the school house and taught us all to make the most delicious organic/gluten free/ sugar free cookies that were then packaged and sold at the Bake Sale that took place on the evening of the Theatre. The children had a wonderful time measuring, mixing, rolling and shaping – and tasting! One month later and there are some students whom I have heard say “remember when Lianne let us eat the dough? That was the BEST!!!”
Chiropractor Brings Real X-Rays and Explains the Working of the Human Body
When a parent who works as a chiropractor, offered to bring in real x-rays for the children to look at and trace, we did not expect the informative introduction and colourful diagrams on the human body that she was well prepared with. When she explained that ‘our bodies adapt to what they need,’ I knew this would be a phrase that we would continue to explore in many ways.
Chinese New Year Celebration
We invited our Chinese friend to prepare a small presentation of what a Chinese New Year is about and what it might include. He had the children riveted as he explained the event, showed them where China is located, introduced them to the language by teaching them to verbally count to ten as well as in written form!
The story from China was second best to the authentic dumplings that came out at snack time!
We have visitors come to the BEN – specialists that teach the children about nutrition, taking care of their teeth and bodies, bakers and sewers for example.
We have events that include learning about Hanukah, Christmas and Eid for example. We have an annual ‘Dinner-Theatre’ where children perform plays and songs for the parents and then we all have dinner together. And our annual Pancake Breakfast event is not to be missed! Here are some snapshots of events and trips over the years.
Annual Dinner Theatre
The 'Discoverers of the Ways of the Planet' (grades 3,4) put lots of effort and concentration into creating their play, “Land, Water and Air”. The children wrote and memorized their lines, created choreography, made props, costumes, posters and tickets. Most importantly, they practiced the behaviors needed to produce a play; co-operation, persistence, calm focus and a positive attitude. There was plenty of excitement the evening of the performance! All the children’s hard work paid off in a very successful performance.
Trip to the Symphony
The Larks, Swallow and Hoopoe groups headed to the Roy Thompson Hall to experience the Toronto Symphony Orchestra in a one-hour performance for children. This incredible event introduced the children to the richness of Orchestral music and how many people can work together to make a truly exceptional work of art. The children were transfixed, what with the dancing of the ballerina, the piano’s being rolled onto the stage for a duet, and listening to a ‘story’ in music.
A Dentist Visits Our School
A dentist came to our school in April to talk with us about our teeth, and why we need to take care of them. Complete with a giant ‘mouth’ and tooth brush- the dentist showed us how to brush our teeth – and we all took the chance to hone our skills! He told us about ‘sugar bugs’ that we also call Plaque – and why we wouldn’t want to keep them around.
A Nutritional Consultant Explains About Healthy Eating
We were so happy to invite Lianne, a nutritional consultant, to come to our class and talk with us about healthy eating for our bodies. We were introduced to the concept of carbohydrates, fats and protein. We held so many different kinds of fruits and vegetables, snacked on seeds, almonds and raisins, and heard from someone other than our parents about the value of what we ingest!
Gluten-Free Baking Day
Back in December, we had a wonderful baking session thanks to Lianne, mother of Logan and Hadley, who came to the school house and taught us all to make the most delicious organic/gluten free/ sugar free cookies that were then packaged and sold at the Bake Sale that took place on the evening of the Theatre. The children had a wonderful time measuring, mixing, rolling and shaping – and tasting! One month later and there are some students whom I have heard say “remember when Lianne let us eat the dough? That was the BEST!!!”
Chiropractor Brings Real X-Rays and Explains the Working of the Human Body
When a parent who works as a chiropractor, offered to bring in real x-rays for the children to look at and trace, we did not expect the informative introduction and colourful diagrams on the human body that she was well prepared with. When she explained that ‘our bodies adapt to what they need,’ I knew this would be a phrase that we would continue to explore in many ways.
Chinese New Year Celebration
We invited our Chinese friend to prepare a small presentation of what a Chinese New Year is about and what it might include. He had the children riveted as he explained the event, showed them where China is located, introduced them to the language by teaching them to verbally count to ten as well as in written form!
The story from China was second best to the authentic dumplings that came out at snack time!
