top of page


Teaching in Transition: Finding Balance Between Tradition and Modern Practice
Teaching in the Digital Age Students today are a different breed. They’re definitely not like the kids I learned alongside growing up, and they’re not the same kind of kids I taught nearly twenty years ago. With the rise of digital technology and, more recently, social media, students are receiving information at exponential rates — whether that information is accurate or not. For some of them, traditional classroom learning can feel like a relic of the past, especially afte
Guinevere Pura
5d3 min read
Â
Â
Â


From Chalk to Chemistry: Grade 7s Become Renaissance Alchemists!
As an art and science teacher - I was once told that arts and sciences don't go hand in hand. Well, my students have proven this idea wrong. Grade 7 students took a creative leap into the world of chemistry—by becoming alchemists and artists all at once! As part of our Substances and Mixtures Unit , students explored the properties of elements through a hands-on art activity that blended science with history. Using coloured chalk to represent pure substances— blue for cobalt
Guinevere Pura
Oct 271 min read
Â
Â
Â


Back from a Hiatus: A Year of Growth, Teaching, and Adventure
Teaching, travel, and growth—2024 and 2025 was, and continues to keep me on my toes both inside and outside the classroom. From stepping into a Long Term Occasional role to exploring new adventures in nature and beyond, I’ve learned, grown, and embraced every challenge along the way. Now, as I return to supply teaching, I’m excited to share resources and insights to help students and families thrive. At Work It’s been a while since I’ve written here—and for good reason! In 20
Guinevere Pura
Oct 272 min read
Â
Â
Â


Zine Making Part 2
My second delivery of my zine-making unit with a few modifications went well amongst my new group of eighth graders. In an age where...
Guinevere Pura
May 6, 20243 min read
Â
Â
Â


Mastering the Art of Writing Thesis Statements: A Guide for Teachers of 8th Graders
For years, I've honed my essay-writing skills and mastered the art of crafting clear thesis statements. Yet, when tasked with guiding...
Guinevere Pura
May 1, 20244 min read
Â
Â
Â


Student-Led-Learning
Empowering students to teach cultivates vital real-world skills like responsibility, accountability, and critical thinking. As I entered...
Guinevere Pura
Apr 12, 20241 min read
Â
Â
Â


Geography: It's more than where you live
As I reflect on my recent practicum with grade 8 students, I can't help but think about graduation looming on the horizon. Each classroom...
Guinevere Pura
Feb 24, 20242 min read
Â
Â
Â


Burnout
Witnessing the extensive workload that teachers handle behind the scenes is eye-opening, often exceeding what many parents including...
Guinevere Pura
Feb 10, 20242 min read
Â
Â
Â


The Scripture and the Four Senses
Not well versed in Sacred Scripture? Don't worry. Start reading using the four senses. Reading the Sacred Scriptures during high school...
Guinevere Pura
Feb 9, 20242 min read
Â
Â
Â


The Ontario HPE Curriculum Builds Life Skills
The Health and Physical Education Curriculum is more than just "Gym". According to the World Health Organization (WHO): "Life skills are...
Guinevere Pura
Jan 30, 20243 min read
Â
Â
Â


Ontario Provincial Report Cards
It's crunch time! Teachers write constructive reports on the learning progress of their students. Is it the most wonderful time of the...
Guinevere Pura
Jan 30, 20242 min read
Â
Â
Â


The Benefits of Group Work
How does group work contribute to, and improve student learning? It was another bitterly cold day in Toronto, with temperatures plunging...
Guinevere Pura
Jan 29, 20242 min read
Â
Â
Â


Differentiation: How to engage and reach every learner in the classroom
Image courtesy of The Resilient Educator Differentiated instruction is a teaching approach that caters to the diverse learning needs of...
Guinevere Pura
Dec 29, 20233 min read
Â
Â
Â


An Art Educator's Reflection
Portfolio Task G Teaching art today is far different from when I was a child. Rote learning, speaking only when asked, and regurgitating...
Guinevere Pura
Nov 25, 20232 min read
Â
Â
Â


Reflecting Key Concept(s) as an Anti-Racist Educator
One course elective I was required to take as a future visual art teacher was VISA 3000/4000/4001 - Teaching Visual Arts in the...
Guinevere Pura
Nov 25, 20232 min read
Â
Â
Â


Assessment and the Creative Process
Portfolio Task E: What you think is an amazing lesson may be just one of many activities you teach. Admitting to falling into the trap of...
Guinevere Pura
Nov 25, 20231 min read
Â
Â
Â


Pecha Kucha: 5 cultural products or symbolic creations in 5 minutes
Portfolio Taks D Image of "The Chinoiserie Room - Room 417 at the Gladstone Hotel" courtesy of myturrtleneck.com by Catherine Mangosing...
Guinevere Pura
Nov 25, 20231 min read
Â
Â
Â


Bear Witness to the Blanket: A Lesson about Residential School Survivors
"Orange Shirt Day" also known as Day of Truth and Reconciliation is observed on September 30th in Canada to honor Indigenous children who...
Guinevere Pura
Nov 22, 20233 min read
Â
Â
Â


Integrating the Arts: Where History/Social Studies Meets Art
"Arts Integration is the connective pathway toward reaching and teaching every student. The arts are not servicing the content. Instead,...
Guinevere Pura
Nov 19, 20232 min read
Â
Â
Â


How to Build a Democratic Classroom
There are many ways to set up a classroom that is conducive to a democratic community. Community engagement and active learning (as...
Guinevere Pura
Nov 15, 20232 min read
Â
Â
Â
bottom of page