All grades  Project 4 weeks

Nursery Rhyme Olympics: Portrait of Learners!

Taylyn Kincer
P.CT.G2.A
C.K.3
P.EX.C2.A
Self Directed Learning
Academic Mindset
+ 1 more
1-pager

Purpose

The purpose of this learning experience is to immerse kindergarten students in a dynamic exploration of nursery rhymes through interactive and creative activities. By engaging in the Nursery Rhyme Olympics, students will develop essential competencies such as self-directed learning, academic mindset, and critical thinking. This project fosters collaboration with older students and community partners, enabling young learners to express their understanding through movement, storytelling, and problem-solving, while building a strong sense of identity and belonging.

Learning goals

The learning goals for this project are to enhance students' understanding of nursery rhymes through creative movement and storytelling, fostering skills in problem-solving, teamwork, and communication. Students will develop self-directed learning by reflecting on their experiences and receiving feedback during the Nursery Rhyme Olympics. They will also build an academic mindset by establishing a sense of identity and belonging through collaborative activities and community engagement. Additionally, students will refine their critical thinking abilities by exploring innovative approaches to express nursery rhymes through dance, video creation, and rhythm patterns.
Standards
  • [Kentucky] P.CT.G2.A - With guidance and support, complete a graphic organizer to organize information learned from resources.
  • [Kentucky] C.K.3 - Compose narratives, using a combination of drawing, dictating, writing and digital resources, to develop real or imagined experiences or multiple events or ideas, using effective technique, descriptive de-tails and clear sequences.
  • [Kentucky] P.EX.C2.A - With guidance and support, explore a variety of tools and materials to create new things and show resiliency through refinement.
Competencies
  • Self Directed Learning - Students use teacher and peer feedback and self-reflection to monitor and direct their own learning while building self knowledge both in and out of the classroom.
  • Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.
  • Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.

Products

Throughout the project, students will create a 'Nursery Rhyme Video Series,' capturing their creative retellings of nursery rhymes through dance, storytelling, and problem-solving activities. These videos will be shared online with families and community partners, showcasing their learning and creativity. Additionally, students will produce a visual chart on chart paper that highlights their understanding of portrait competency, integrating Letcher County's portrait of a learner attributes. This chart will serve as a tangible representation of their learning journey and accomplishments.

Launch

Begin the project with a dynamic 'Nursery Rhyme Olympics' kickoff event, where kindergarten students team up with 8th graders to play ring around the Rosie, followed by an outdoor relay race inspired by Jack and Jill. Engage students in an egg race themed around Humpty Dumpty and a jumping challenge inspired by Jack Be Nimble. These activities will spark curiosity, foster collaboration, and set the stage for exploring nursery rhymes through movement and storytelling.

Exhibition

At the end of the project, kindergarten students will host a 'Nursery Rhyme Olympics Showcase' where they demonstrate their creative interpretations of nursery rhymes through movement and storytelling. The event will feature live performances and screenings of their 'Nursery Rhyme Video Series,' inviting families, community partners, and peers to celebrate their learning journey. The high school drama team will assist in organizing the event, ensuring a vibrant and engaging experience for all attendees.