coming together - the 4th graders and kindergarteners celebrate literacy and community

Throughout the week before April break the kindergarteners - and 4th graders - prepared for an opportunity to come together. The 4th graders were planning to read a thoughtfully chosen picture book and engage the kindergarteners in conversation. Following their interactive read aloud, the kindergarteners would be the hosts of our classroom, sharing their how-to books with a 4th grade partner. Following the reading of their books, the 4th graders would be offered a piece of banana bread prepared by their younger peers. 

The 4th graders have been working hard on reading and reviewing a collection of picture books awarded the Caldecott Medal. Together they chose one book to read to their kindergarten peers, a book they felt the children would enjoy as well as invite meaningful reflections and conversations - would they make a connection to the deeper meaning within the book? Would it remind them of their own experiences of 'getting back up again'?

The kindergarteners have been working hard on preparing their how-to books for publication, using all that they know about informational writing and powerful writing and illustrating. Prior to the celebration with our special guests, they practiced reading their books to a peer, ensuring they could read their writing as well as read with expression. 

On Thursday morning we came together in the common area, the kindergarteners a respectful and excited audience as the 4th graders took turns reading the pages of their chosen book; 

After the Fall (How Humpty Dumpty Got Back Up Again)

 

We then invited the 4th graders into our classroom to share the children's how-to books, looking for positive feedback. Siblings and friends eagerly sat close, engaging in the reading of and conversation about how-to writing. 

Following their work as partnerships, AR and OM offered a piece of banana bread to each child at the snack tables. As they ate their snack and looked around the room, the kindergarteners and 4th graders talked about our classroom, writing, humpty dumpty, and their upcoming April break! Our time together was connected to learning in both classrooms and was authentic and meaningful to the children - it was a true celebration of literacy and community.

A warm thank you to Mrs. Goss and the 4th graders for making our Thursday morning extra special. After they left we had a little meeting about how it went and how we felt. OC quickly put his hand up and shared, "I feel so, so proud and happy!"

 

 

 


Earlier in the week the kindergarteners prepare for their upcoming publishing celebration with the 4th graders. They add the final details to their writing and read their writing to a peer. On Wednesday during rest, three children help to make banana bread to share with the 4th graders: