kindergarteners as experts esp subs

Summary

The video showcases a kindergarten celebration of learning, where students explore birds through multiple roles: performer, scientist, and artist. Families and community members witness children presenting their research, scientific drawings, and artwork, developed over the year with guidance from sixth-grade buddies. Students engage in hands-on experiences, including observing domesticated birds, incubating eggs, and field visits. The celebration emphasizes skill-building in presenting and performing, while also contributing to bird conservation through the sale of student-created note cards. The event highlights students’ growth, confidence, and pride as they demonstrate their knowledge and accomplishments in an interactive and meaningful way.

Takeaways

• 😀 Kindergarten students participated in a 'Celebration of Learning' to showcase their work to families and the community.
• 🦜 Students explored birds through multiple roles: performer, scientist, and artist.
• 🎶 As performers, students sang songs for friends, family, and community members.
• 🔬 As scientists, students conducted research, created scientific drawings, and presented findings using presentation boards.
• 🎨 As artists, students engaged in a gallery walk to display their artwork and creative projects.
• 🐣 Students worked with live birds, incubated eggs, hatched chicks, and observed birds in the field.
• 📚 Kindergarteners partnered with sixth-grade buddies to research individual birds throughout the year using bird journals and multiple drafts.
• 💳 Art and research were compiled on note cards, sold to the community, and proceeds supported bird rehabilitation and conservation efforts.
• 👩‍🏫 Preparation for the celebration included practicing presentations, building public speaking skills, and developing confidence in front of unfamiliar audiences.
• 🌟 The event reinforced students’ learning, celebrated their achievements, and allowed them to feel proud and recognized as experts in their bird studies.
• 📊 Citizen science programs, like 'Bird by Bird,' involved students in collecting real data for global bird-tracking databases.

Q & A

What was the main theme of the kindergarten celebration?

The main theme of the celebration was birds, where students shared their learning about birds through songs, research presentations, and artwork.

What roles did the students take on during the celebration?

Students took on three main roles: performers, scientists, and artists. As performers, they sang songs; as scientists, they presented their research and drawings; and as artists, they participated in a gallery walk of their artwork.

How did the students prepare for presenting their research?

Students prepared by researching an individual bird with a sixth-grade buddy, creating multiple drafts of their bird drawings, practicing presentations in small groups, and using presentation boards as cues.

What kinds of activities supported the students' bird research throughout the year?

Students engaged in activities such as using bird journals, handling domesticated birds, incubating and hatching eggs, visiting field sites working with birds, and collaborating with experts.

How did the presentation boards help students during their presentations?

The presentation boards served as cues for students to show their work, provide visual support for their explanations, and create an interactive experience with the audience.

What role did community and family involvement play in the celebration?

Families and community members attended the exhibition to see students’ work, interact with them, and support the students, making it an inclusive and encouraging experience.

How did the project connect to real-world conservation efforts?

The artwork and research were compiled on note cards and sold to the community, with the proceeds going toward Idaho bird rehabilitation and conservation efforts.

What evidence showed that students gained confidence during the year?

Students who were initially shy or reluctant to participate were able to stand in front of families and community members, present confidently, and share their knowledge as experts on their chosen bird.

How did the collaboration with sixth graders benefit the kindergarten students?

The collaboration helped kindergarten students with research, guided them in collecting information, and provided peer support, fostering both learning and mentorship.

Why is the Celebration of Learning significant for students?

The celebration validates students' hard work, shows them they can accomplish complex tasks, strengthens their confidence, and demonstrates their ability to take on real-world roles such as scientists, performers, and artists.

What skills were emphasized in preparing for the celebration?

Skills emphasized included research, scientific observation, artistic creation, presentation skills, public speaking, and collaboration.

How did the educators support students throughout the project?

Educators supported students by guiding research, helping with multiple drafts of scientific drawings, creating rubrics, practicing presentations, and facilitating field trips and hands-on activities with birds.