Kindergarten Students Excel in Class

For the next few months, I will be featuring a new series on schools within my coverage area instead of a regular editorial. After my mother suggested the idea, I thought it would be a good opportunity to present a snapshot of community schools and their effort to better educate our students.

Beginning with kindergarten, each week will be designated to one grade level in Breckenridge, Rothsay and Campbell-Tintah Public Schools.

Students at Campbell-Tintah are delving into the technological world. Peggy Corey, kindergarten teacher, stated the eight-member class has been busy using "Headsprout," a technological reading program that features specific letter-sound relationships. The program allows kids to work at their own pace and print off stories to read to their parents. "We also enjoy our 'Centers,' where we can play LegoŽ, set up the farm, pretend our loft is a space ship and make interesting meals in our kitchen," wrote Corey.

Students have also been doing hands-on math activities and creating alphabet books for their parents. In Mr. Darcy's class, kids are introduced to a new composer each week and learn about his or her contribution to the music world.

In Breckenridge, students are making new friends. Instructors Rachel Johnson and Lori Randall reported that each student is being assigned a fifth grade counterpart. Once a month, they get together and make gingerbread houses, share a story and do other activities. At the end of the year, they walk to the park for a Dairy Queen treat.

Students have also been learning the alphabet by tracing each letter in a series of rainbow colors, which offers them a chance to practice correct letter formation. Each morning, the class gets together for a brief sharing time to work on communication skills. Later, teachers draw a basic picture for the students to mimic so they can boost their writing skills. "This process will eventually lead to journal writing, and the students progress with their writing skills," wrote Johnson.

For the sixth year in a row, Rothsay Public School is offering all-day, everyday kindergarten. For two days each week, students get a chance to do art projects, computer labs and cooking activities. Recently, they did an apple unit and helped make apple sauce and apple pizzas.

"I do have them help out with a variety of cooking activities during the year, as there are a lot of opportunities to work on a variety of skills (counting, reading, measuring, etc.), while at the same time, trying new foods and having them enjoy being a part of the process," wrote Kindergarten Teacher Lisa Ness.

Ness is also planning a unit on nursery rhymes, where each student in the class will represent a character and put on a performance for their parents. The unit is set for sometime this winter.

JENNIFER JOHNSON can be reached at jenj@wahpetondailynews.com.