John G. Dinkelmeyer Elementary School kindergarten teacher Kristen Moir had some help from her students to fill in the words to the Gingerbread Man song. The holiday-themed literacy activity supported their knowledge of sight words and sequencing.

Before completing the song, Ms. Moir’s students read several books including “The Gingerbread Man,” “The Gingerbread Boy” and “The Gingerbread Mouse,” then discussed the difference between fiction and non-fiction stories.

To understand the importance of cooperation and teamwork, fourth graders at John G. Dinkelmeyer Elementary School traveled back several centuries to the Iroquois confederacy. 

As part of the fourth grade social studies curriculum, students learn the history of New York State including its earliest inhabitants, the Iroquois. In Daniel Savarino and Lori Alduino’s class, students were assigned to one of five tribes. Each was given a scenario where they had a certain amount of food and hunting tools. Every tribe selected a leader – a Sachem – who then met in a Great Council meeting to trade and ensure that each group had enough food and hunting supplies. 

Students then reflected on the experience through writing and colorful drawings symbolizing decorative wampum. Mr. Savarino said the activity emphasized problem-solving through communication and compromise.  

 

An important aspect of kindergarten is community building, and children in Jennifer McGovern’s class are doing just that at John G. Dinkelmeyer Elementary School.

As a getting-to-know-you activity, students made paper dolls of themselves with information about their family, likes and dislikes, talents and future aspirations. The class then went outside where students presented their dolls. Ms. McGovern explained that community building activities support social and emotional learning by helping the students connect with each other and form new friendships.