Grade 3 learners gathered at the North Forest campground to welcome local author Angela Murphy for a special visit. Known for her books on self-regulation and mindfulness, Ms. Murphy bases her stories on her two real-life dogs, Zane and Draper—characters who help children understand and explore their emotions in a gentle, relatable way.
Seated around a cozy campfire, students listened attentively as Ms. Murphy read one of her stories aloud. The visit supported the Grade 3 year-long unit, "Who We Are: Understanding How Our Brain Works to Help Us Learn," by exploring strategies for emotional regulation and connection.
Following the story, students participated in a series of mindfulness and self-awareness activities led by the author. These included “Stop, Quiet, Look, Listen”—a quadrant observation activity where learners practiced whole-body listening—and “Museum,” where they froze in a pose showing a specific emotion. This helped students express their feelings and develop empathy by interpreting the emotions of others.
It was a memorable morning of learning, reflection, and connection—one that supported both personal growth and curricular learning in a meaningful way. View highlights from the visit