Tenove classroom
using tools available on online platforms . I am determined not to go backwards and will continue to access technology in any way possible for these truly twentyfirst century students who , despite a pandemic , have learned so much about learning online .
My biggest project is the work I am doing with the preschool team to show them what an early childhood program should look like . They do not understand the concept of play , centres , authentic art , or child-centred activities .
Mexico , like many places in the world , focuses on rote learning through textbooks and workbooks . There is a serious lack of creativity and inquiry in instruction as well as practice . I cannot change this way of thinking overnight , but I can model a different way . So , every night I haul foam rolls , paper , and glue home and create all kinds of visuals for the classrooms . The more wine I have , the more creative I become , like cutting up wine corks to make letters ! There is a lot of recycling going on here , sista !
As we have no students to produce artwork for the school , I have become the resident student . I have collected tropical leaves to make leaf animals and hope that I don ’ t get the equivalent of poison ivy . I have made dangling kaleidoscopes out of foam pieces to hang from the ceilings . Whatever bits and pieces I find in my house or around the school become the alphabet , numbers , shapes , and visuals to be displayed in classrooms . I have also created a large Circle of Courage for each classroom as a symbol to teach children about belonging , mastery , independence , and generosity .
Without realizing it at the time , this daily routine has been a life-savour and huge distraction
while living in a foreign country during a pandemic . I have been able to access my knowledge of how children learn and use my creative side to bring a little bit of magic to this wonderful school in Mazatlán , Mexico .
Lorianne was an educator and administrator in Calgary for thirty-eight years and was also Education Director for the TsuuT ’ ina Nation . For the Summer 2020 issue of news & views , Lorianne described for us her early days as Head of Colegio Rex , Canadian International School in Mazatlán , Mexico — straight into quarantine . Lorianne is married to Phil , her favourite photographer .
news & views SPRING 2021 | 21