During Dr. Suess week we have staff volunteers, parent volunteers, and community memebre volunteers who come to read to our students. It is so powerful for children to see adults in all parts of their life reading.
Gardening
At McKinley Elementary we follow the Farm to Table concept. We have a beautiful garden that has a variety of fruits, vegetables, herbs, a green house, and a chicken coup. Students go once a week to participate in a agriculture lesson that encompasses vocabulary, criticial thinking, teamwork, life skills, and hands on activities. These lessons are lead by our amazing Agriculture Team!!!
In the Kitchen
In our state of the art Kitchen students are able to enjoy the fruits of their harvest. They are taught kitchen cleanliness, how to set a table as a family, table manners, how to use kitchen utensils safetly, and how to cook the food they Harvest. All meals are vegetarian!!!
Science Lab
Once a week students get to go to our wonderful science lab. All lessons are specific to grade level common core standards and are hands on. The students love the science lab!
Making Observations
Students participate in a gallery walk around the classroom or the school to make observations using their prior knowledge and imagination.
Collaborating
Student lead instruction takes a lot of collaboration. Students collaborate daily to develop thier critical thinking skills, communication/listening skills, team work skill, and to expand their imagination.
Taking Notes
Note taking is very important skill for students to learn and develop. Students are able to use their note to help them complete assignments, reference during presentations, share thier observations with others, and to work on their writing skills.
Keeping Our School Clean
Keeping our school clean is very important and up to everyone. Students take the time to keep our school clean to make sure they are safe and able to have lots of fun.
Group Projects
Team work and collaboration is a 21st century skill our students are going to need when they enter into the workforce. Group projects are a great way for students to practice these skills.
Math Time
With Math we want to foster a postive outlook. This is done by making Math Fun at all times by using manipulatives, CRA model, group activties, and allowing students to create problems of their own.
Independent Work
Independent work is a time for student to show the teacher what they are capable of doing on their own. Teachers are then able to address students individual needs as they circulate the room.