Self Study Reading Written Reflection
Reading Reflection allows you to take a personal approach and express thoughts on the selected article and the broader topic instead of just providing a summary on the article. Your 1page reflection paper should contain three key elements, including:
Briefly summarize the articles.
Explore your ideas and/or experiences in context to the topic covered in the articles.
Examine how the lessons learned from the articles have affected your understanding of and experience related to the subject in general.
*(1 page for 2 articles max.; Single space; you can combine two articles together or separate them in your reflection)
Guiding question: How can we create conditions to support inquiry-based learning in makerspace?
Feedback
“This paper is full of insightful quotes. Especially I appreciate your closing remark that “The making itself is so much more than just the materials, it is the interaction of the materials and the processes we engage in that teach us the most while making.” You also did a great job on analyzing the notion of encounter and expanded its implications. This reflection achieved clarity and depth of analysis. Well-done!” ~ Dr. Ching-Chiu Lin, Simon Fraser University Professor, Nov 10, 2022.
Educator Resources
BC First Peoples 12 Teacher Resource Guide
Four Directions Lesson Plan Template
Feedback:
“This is wonderful Crystal and I love you are currently working on it with your school community!” ~ Dr. Jan Maclean
“WOW! This project is super cool and inspiring! I'm wondering how involving the business sector might help mitigate the costs through donations of materials, of time and of expertise knowledge. As a shop teacher I would be super interested in participating if I worked in the same District. Maybe something to consider?” ~ Chris Sheppard
“Wow!! This is beautiful, Crystal, and the fact your school is building this is AMAZING! I am going to bring it to my staff for a future endeavour.” ~ David Earland
Random Acts of Art Inspired By Andy Goldsworthy
Visual Land Acknowledgement
Visual Journaling
Transforming Everyday Objects Into Art
Book: The Power of Art By: Crystal Smith
The Power of Art Read Aloud By Crystal Smith
Feedback:
“The statements mixed with questions gave it a powerful tone.” ~ Steve Diamond
“You should print this and publish it.” ~ Arnel Aliwalas
“These are amazing images and questions in your book. I love the format.” ~ Melissa Baker
“Beautiful and powerful.” ~ Hannah Mackillop
“Very powerful” ~ Michelle Gallagher
“This is incredible and so talented! You need to publish this. Wow!” ~ David Earland
“Your questions are very thought provoking.” ~ Sara Wise
Feedback
“Definitely a unique art piece and the meaning behind such a unique piece is really profound. It made me think of it looking like an insect.. buzzing around. Do you think there is something controversial with the idea or concept of what is art is, especially ethical art? Thanks for your reflections.” ~ Ann Pimentel, SFU Faculty Associate, May 15, 2023.
Response
“I think it is somewhat deliberately controversial when you consider the way the artist is putting a spotlight on capitalism through ethically sourced materials. I also thought that the one art piece resembled a bumblebee.” ~ Crystal Smith, Graduate Student, Simon Fraser University, May 16, 2023.
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I would also like to respectfully acknowledge that we are gathering here today on the ancestral and unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh nations. I’d also like to acknowledge that June is National Indigenous History month. It is a time to celebrate Indigenous Peoples cultures, traditions, and contributions that have shaped our identity within this territory. As a society, it is important that we celebrate the achievements of Indigenous Peoples and acknowledge the challenges Indigenous people have experienced throughout history. It’s a time to learn from the past, to celebrate the present, and envision a more inclusive and equitable future for all. I moved to BC in 2006, and I have been living, working, and playing on this beautiful land for nearly two decades. I feel tremendous gratitude to be surrounded by so much natural beauty. I also have a strong appreciation for Indigenous ways of knowing and being and feel that their cultural stories hold many valuable lessons and teachings, which we can all learn something from. I encourage you all to try to find ways to weave Indigenous perspectives and teachings into your lessons where you can. A great place to start is through stories.
SPARK
For my spark today I have a video I’d like to share with you. It is an inspirational video that showcases how maker learning can reach all learners.
https://www.edutopia.org/video/maker-education-reaching-all-learners/
During my own ADST lessons I have also witnessed how making increase engagement and provides more meaningful learning opportunities that are accessible for all learners. I’ve found that students who sometimes struggle with the regular curriculum excel with these hands on learning actives. Making provides a different pathway to learning and gives them a context for learning that empowers and motivates them allowing them to showcase their strengths and become agents of their own learning.
Serious Play Lego Session with Kyle EPP
This session taught us how to unleash the power of play using Lego.
EPPIC Innovation-Play to Create Website
The Thinking Behind Strategic Play-The Process-Why it Works
5-Day Classroom Play Challenge
Message From Kyle:
Last Monday, I had the immense pleasure of immersing myself in the world of education and play at Simon Fraser University's Burnaby campus. We embarked on a journey to unlock the incredible potential of LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY®, and let me tell you, it was a blast!
Together with a group of amazing teachers, we ventured into the realm of creativity, clarity, community, and connection. We let our imaginations run wild, envisioning what our classrooms could become if we sprinkled a little more magic and play into the mix. It was heartwarming to hear participants share their dreams and aspirations for the upcoming academic year, and the camaraderie was off the charts as we celebrated each other's strengths and unique contributions to the world of education.
Curious about how LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® can infuse your classroom or supercharge your staff teams with creativity and innovation? Don't hesitate to drop me a message! Let's chat about the endless possibilities and how we can inject a little playfulness into your world!
Together, we'll build brighter futures, one brick at a time! #LEGOPlayInEducation #SeriousPlay #EducationInnovation #BuildingBrightMinds
📷: Jonathan Büchner
Reflections in Place: Place-based Microsite Assignment
temtemixwten Belcarra Regional Park Microsite Powerpoint Presentation
Instructor Feedback
Crystal, Your description of Belcarra Park as a beautiful place resonates with what Dwayne spoke of in his audio clip... taking time to breath it in. The video you shared featuring the 'still water' was captivating in multiple ways, and it's clear that this park offers a diverse range of experiences. The contrast between the two different times you went from the still night to the stormy day emphasizes the park's dynamic nature. How powerful nature is! Your recognition of the connection between water and the land is both thoughtful and meaningful. The mention of the moon illuminating the space adds an beautiful touch to the experience. Your way with words is truly powerful, and the phrase "scattered amongst unwavering evergreen" is striking. Beautiful poetry! May your future times at Belcarra Park continue to be reflective and meaningful.
Ann Pimentel, SFU Faculty Associate, November 8, 2023
November 6, 2023 Land Acknowledgement and Spark
Today, I would like to acknowledge that I am joining this meeting from the unceded traditional ancestral lands of the Squamish, Tseil-Waututh and Musqueam people. As I completed the microsite assignment this week and looked at my microsite though an indigenous lens it made me think of all the contributions indigenous people continue to make in our communities. With Indigenous Veterans Day coming up on November 8 I would like for us to take a moment to honour Indigenous peoples – past and present – who have served and continue to serve with great pride and sacrifice for our freedom. Indigenous veterans have a proud legacy of courage, service, and excellence in the Canadian Armed Forces that continues today with the more than 2,500 Indigenous men and women making a difference across Canada and abroad. So this Remembrance Day take a moment to remember all who have served, and recognize the willingly-endured hardships and fears these people, took and continue to take upon themselves so that we can live in peace.
Make It Vancouver Christmas Market Reflection
Crystal
You’ve got some amazing gifts! It’s so fantastic to support local makers. You’ll have to tell me how that hot sauce goes down since I was tempted to buy some for my husband but then changed my mind. There was so many great things there. Thanks for sharing your reflections,
Ann Pimentel, SFU Faculty Associate , December 10, 2023
The Witness Blanket Art Reflection
Instructor Feedback
Crystal It is truly heartening to read your reflection about the profound and significant aspect of Canadian history as the Witness Blanket, particularly in the context of learning about residential schools. I am glad that you got to visit the Witness Blanket, and bear witness to the stories and experiences of survivors but also continue to actively participate in the ongoing process of reconciliation and truth-telling. May we always remember.
Ann Pimentel, SFU Faculty Associate, Feb 16, 2024
February 26, 2024: MakeDo Assessment and Making Creation
Instructor Feedback: Faye and I talked about this piece a lot. It was simple from a distance but once one looked closer there was a depth and deep emotion to the art. The beige colour was natural yet the words written on it wasn't. So glad that you were able to bring your daughter to the show. It is evident which one she enjoyed chilling out with (maybe her wall art might make it to the finals). I was left with some pondering questions from this art: Why beige? Where are the borders when there isn't any? Can we do art without borders? What does the texture of the pottery speak to me about? What do I assume at a distance than once I look closer to the art how do my feelings change? Why do they change? Thanks for your thoughtful reflection. ~ Ann Pimentel, SFU Faculty Associate, May 14, 2024.