35: Stories Alive

If stories come to you, care for them. And learn to give them away where they are needed. Sometimes a person needs a story more than food to stay alive.

-Barry Lopez

How do you make a story come alive?

This was one of the questions that helped shape the kindergarteners' inquiry into stories this week. Using their imagination, creativity, and collaboration, the children embarked on an exciting project that combined their love for stories with their understanding of the different story elements we learned in class. What made this journey even more special was the use of recycled materials that we collected from our previous unit under Sharing the Planet to create dioramas of stories that the children have grown to love. Have a look at the wonderful process and the valuable lessons that the children experienced this week.

Choosing Stories and Partners

The week began with the children pairing up with a friend or choosing to work individually. As a class, we looked into some of our favorite stories this year. The classroom buzzed with discussions as the children eagerly decided on which story they would like to bring to life. This initial step fostered important values such as teamwork, communication, and decision-making, setting the stage for a collaborative learning experience.

Diving into Story Elements

With their chosen stories in hand, the students looked into the key elements that make a story captivating:

Characters

Identifying the main and supporting characters, the children discussed their traits, motivations, and roles within the story. This activity highlighted the importance of understanding different perspectives and recognizing diverse personalities.

Plot 

Exploring the narrative arc, the students mapped out the sequence of events, from the beginning to the climax and the resolution. They learned about cause and effect, and how characters' actions drive the story forward, emphasizing critical thinking and logical sequencing.

Setting

Examining the various settings, the children discovered how time and place shape the story's mood and events. This exploration nurtured their ability to visualize and appreciate different environments and contexts.

Crafting Dioramas

With the challenge of making their chosen story come alive, the students embarked on the creative process of building dioramas using recycled materials. This project was not just an exercise in creativity but also a lesson in sustainability and resourcefulness. 

Planning and Designing

Each pair brainstormed and discussed what they planned to do with their diorama, deciding which scenes to depict and how to represent the story elements. This stage encouraged problem-solving and innovative thinking.

Gathering Materials

Using recycled items collected during our Sharing the Planet unit, the children selected materials that would best bring their vision to life. They used cardboard boxes, old boards, fabric scraps, paper, and more, showcasing their ability to repurpose and reinvent.

Building and Creating

With great enthusiasm, the students cut, colored, glued, taped, and assembled their dioramas. They transformed everyday objects into vibrant characters, intricate settings, and dynamic plots, demonstrating their artistic skills and attention to detail.

Collaboration and Teamwork

Throughout the process, pairs worked closely, sharing ideas, dividing tasks, and supporting each other. This collaborative effort reinforced the importance of cooperation, patience, and mutual respect.

Showcasing Our Masterpieces

At the end of the week, our classroom transformed into a mini-gallery where each pair presented their diorama. The students eagerly explained their projects, describing the story elements and the creative choices they made. This presentation not only reinforced their understanding but also provided an opportunity to take ownership of their ideas and share them with the class.

The Lessons in Stories 

Alongside the children's presentation, we wrapped up the week with a reflection session on the lessons that we learned from all of the stories that we have brought to life. 

Never give up on your dreams.

Lesson from Norman the Slug with the Silly Shell

Embrace your uniqueness.

Lesson from Elmer

If at first you don't succeed, try and try again.

Lesson from Pancakes for Breakfast

It's okay to make mistakes, especially if we learn and grow from them.

Lesson from No, David!

Sharing is caring.

Lesson from The Giving Tree

Dream big.

Lesson from How to Catch a Star

Look at life with positivity.

Lesson from Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes

You can be whatever you want to be.

Lesson from Would You Rather Be a Princess or a Dragon?

After an enriching and meaningful week, we went back to the question:

How do you BEST make a story come alive?

Our answer?

By sharing them with others.

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone.

Your Kindergarten teacher, 

Pam

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Upcoming Events

Kindergarten 2 Events

June 17th, Monday - EY Year-end Swimming Party

June 18th, Tuesday - Schultute Making (for Preschool Enrollment party next school year)

June 2024

• 12 - 13

  Student Exhibition
• 13

  Student Led Conferences/Large Canvas exhibition to be displayed

  17:00-20:00
• 19

  G 6 Graduation

  11:00-12:00
• 20

  Last whole school assembly (End of the year graduation)