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LaMonte community marks end of pre-k recycling unit with coral reef display
The halls of LaMonte and LaMonte Annex were turned into a majestic under-the-sea world as part of a special collaboration between school staff, students and families. The underwater coral reef display capped off the pre-kindergarten recycling unit and was an opportunity for the community to immerse themselves in the walk-through display at both buildings.
Families were invited to see the efforts of students and staff who used recycled materials to make sea creatures, plants and other underwater organisms. Blue streamers hung from the ceiling, while a bubble machine blew bubbles into the hallway as guests strolled through the event and took photos of the artistic wall displays on December 3.
The project marked the end of the students’ academic unit about recycling and the environment, according to Pre-kindergarten Instructional Coach Kristin Redziniak. LaMonte and LaMonte Annex’s pre-kindergarten classes utilize Connect4Learning for their curriculum—a research-based, interdisciplinary platform for early childhood education.
“We asked all the parents to contribute to the event,” said Redziniak. “Then, the teachers worked on making all different kinds of animals and plants to build the coral reef for the parents and anyone else that wanted to come and enjoy it.”
Pre-kindergarten teacher Jessie Kilgore emphasized the importance of collaborating with families to collect recyclable materials. “All of the recycled materials came from the homes, creating a strong connection between the schools and families that allowed students to share what they were learning.”
The items included water bottles, egg cartons, Styrofoam and more.
Each of the preschool classrooms contributed toward a part of the coral reef display, granting another opportunity for the classes to collaborate and work together on the project.
“It was really nice to work with our colleagues,” said Kilgore. She worked with two additional teachers on the display. “Our classes got closer because they were able to work together to make different things and make one big item at the end.”
“Everyone was able to contribute in their own way,” added Redziniak. “The teachers collaborated to come up with their design, and they really just flew with it and did an amazing job, each individually.”