Traces of the Past: An Old Photo

April 15, 2018April 15, 2018 ~ Colline ~ 10 Comments

I connected with my half-brother a few years ago over the internet. I had not met him before, even though I had learned of his existence when a young adult. Now we send messages to one another from time to time and, a couple of weeks ago, he sent me a picture of our dad – a picture that had been given to him by one of his cousins.

I had seen pictures of my dad at this age before in family groups but not a close up. It was strange to see this photo as my memory of him is always of when he was older. The next time I visit South Africa, I will need to check whether my uncle has any more of these treasures put away in a cardboard box.

Do you have any old photos of your dad?

(This post is linked to Paula’s Black and White Sunday)

Playtime Structure

February 27, 2018February 27, 2018 ~ Colline ~ 10 Comments

This year I have a group of three grade 1s who are focused when working and finish their tasks ahead of everyone. From time to time I give them the opportunity to play with the blocks, and each time they build something intricate. Last week Friday I captured the beginnings of one of their structures.

Soon I will give them the opportunity to build for our Science inquiry. I look forward to seeing what they can build with the blocks and materials I will offer them in class.

Do you know anyone who enjoys building with blocks?

(This post is linked to Cee’s Black and White Photo challenge. The topic this week is Structure.).

Adding Windows

June 5, 2017June 5, 2017 ~ Colline ~ 11 Comments

As I look through my living room windows, I cannot help but see the windows that are being added daily to my neighbourhood.

Adding Windows. © Colline Kook-Chun, 2017

At this rate, the little sky that I do see will be blocked by new homes.

Are any windows being added to your neighbourhood?

© Colline Kook-Chun, 2017

(This week Paula, over at Lost in Translation, suggests we post a photo on the theme windows for her Black & White Sunday challenge)

Measuring Area

May 28, 2017May 28, 2017 ~ Colline ~ 17 Comments

One of the activities at the Math centre this week in my classroom was all about area. How do you introduce area to 6-8 year olds? The grade 1 and 2 curriculum encourages teachers to introduce their students to this concept using non-standard units; that is, blocks and other manipulatives. I have found that the children enjoy this activity (which they do in pairs) and eagerly measure the surface of books, their journal, the seat of a chair, and a book shelf.

A few surfaces are covered by many blocks and the children need to work out some strategies to count up to large numbers. This necessity leads to one of those moments when the grade 2 partner helps the grade 1 student The students’ collaboration often leads to both grades understanding the basics of area and measuring it.

Which photo do you prefer? The colour? Or the black and white?

© Colline Kook-Chun, 2017

(This week Paula, over at Lost in Translation, suggests we post our photo today in both colour and in black & white for her Black & White Sunday challenge)

Through the Window

August 3, 2015 ~ Colline ~ 25 Comments

During the Summer, my view remains unchanging – except for the movement of the cranes working on the construction site in the far background.

Looking through the window. © Colline Kook-Chun, 2015

My plants don’t seem to mind the view and instead seem to be thriving in the sunlight.

What do you see through your windows?

(This post was written as a response to Paula’s Black & White Sunday prompt: windows)

An Unexpected Gift

January 18, 2015 ~ Colline ~ 22 Comments

My ECE went home over the winter break – to Paris! How I wished I could go with her to see that lovely city once again. When she came back, however, she gave me an unexpected gift that gave me a little bit of that fair city.

The mug is beautiful and is currently being displayed on my bookshelf. It will move to the kitchen cupboard and be used when space has been made.

I will certainly enjoy drinking from this surprise gift – and each time I do so, I will remember my visit of long ago and think of ways in which my family and I can visit in the future.

What was the last unexpected gift you received?

(This post is linked to Paula’s Black and White Sunday Challenge. The prompt this week is surprise.)

A Graduation Dress

June 22, 2014June 23, 2014 ~ Colline ~ 50 Comments

Tomorrow my daughter is graduating from her middle school. Her school organises a graduation ceremony with a dance for the students afterwards and everyone is expected to attend the celebration well-dressed for the occasion. After much searching, we finally found a dress appropriate for my daughter’s age that fits her well and that she likes.

Adding straps. © Colline Kook-Chun, 2014

The only change I had to make to the dress was to add wide straps as she does not feel comfortable in a strapless dress. Yesterday I took the time to hand sew the straps and add them onto the evening dress.

The result is a dress that looks like it was designed with straps and a happy daughter who will feel comfortable for the entire evening.

Now we just have to finalise the shoes and accessories 🙂

What do you think of strapless dresses?

(This post was inspired by Paula’s Black and White Sunday)

Kindergarten Writing

June 15, 2014 ~ Colline ~ 30 Comments

A snapshot of kindergarten writing in black and white focuses on the writing without the distraction of colour. I share with you the writing of a child who could barely form letters at the beginning of the school year. Stronger fingers and a willingness to practise have led to better formed letters and words.

In grade 1, the letter formation will improve and, in years to come, the writing will be more practised and noted down with ease. As a teacher, I revel in seeing the progress of this child and the knowledge that I have helped children on their writing journey.

Do you often see young children’s writing?

(This post was inspired by Paula’s Black and White Sunday)

Fire Hydrant

June 8, 2014 ~ Colline ~ 34 Comments

Yesterday I was walking with my daughter and we passed an unusual fire hydrant. I do not know whether it is currently functional but is does capture one’s attention.

An Unusual Fire Hydrant. © Colline Kook-Chun, 2014

As we stopped to take a picture, I thought that it would look good in black and white (a thought I would never have had before I began participating in Paula’s Black & White Sunday challenge).

Looking at the hydrant closer, I liked the way the black of the newsprint contrasted with the white.

Thought I would try and have even a closer look.

I am wondering whether this hydrant is new as I have not noticed it on my walks before. Seems like the construction that is to happen is front of it will begin soon.

Have you seen anything unusual on your walks this week?

(This post was inspired by Paula’s Black & White Sunday)

Flowers in Black and White

May 25, 2014May 25, 2014 ~ Colline ~ 42 Comments

I enjoy the colours of the flowers in spring: yellow, red, pink, violet. The colours are a balm to a spirit that longed for colour during the long, icy winter. There are times, however, when the details of the flowers really stand out in black & white.

The lack of colour seems to bring out the shades in the geraniums and the detail of its centre. When blossoms are seen without colour, their beauty seems to be highlighted in contrast to the darkness of the leaves.

The photos are effective and pleasant to look at. I do prefer, however, seeing the colour when I walk about outside. Colour that tells me that spring has arrived and old man winter has left for southern plains.

Do you enjoy seeing flowers in black & white?

(This post was inspired by Paula’s Black and White Sunday)

Colline's Blog

a potpourri of thoughts and experiences

black and white photos

Traces of the Past: An Old Photo

Playtime Structure

Adding Windows

Measuring Area

Through the Window

An Unexpected Gift

A Graduation Dress

Kindergarten Writing

Fire Hydrant

Flowers in Black and White

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