“AROUND THE WORLD”TOUR 2014

Kelley School third graders’ reading of Margaret Ruurs’ “My Librarian Is A Camel _ How Books Are Brought to Children Around the World” prompted a month-long study of four countries featured in the book _ Australia, Peru, Canada and Kenya. Teachers wanted to expose students to life in other countries and tie it into the first ELA module at Kelley this year which has been an extensive study of how people around the world access books and the power of reading, third grade teacher Heather Jennette explained. District Enrichment and Arts-In-Education Coordinator Robyn Ross-Squirrell, who facilitated the study and culminating event, said it all began with a kickoff assembly in October featuring Jay Stetzer from “Young Audiences of Rochester” who performed his "Make Worlds from Words" program.  “He drew from a vast amount of stories and songs from all over the world and crafted an animated and participatory experience that was entertaining and educational,’’ Ross-Squirrell said. The study that followed and included learning about each country’s culture and geography, culminated November 20th when students traveled “Around the World’ to each “country” set up in eight third grade classrooms.

•Jessica Herendeen and Jennette’s classrooms were Kenya.

KENYA

AUSTRALIA•Jamie Yonker and Kathy Marshall’s classrooms were Australia.

CANADA

• Lora Prebalick and Scott Martin’s classrooms were Canada.

PERU

• Ashley Davis and Katie Stanley’s classroom and Kristen Pilcher’s classroom, with help from Lincoln School SHAPE teacher Cara Colf, was Peru.

During morning and afternoon sessions Nov. 20th, third graders took turns visiting each country where other students, acting sort of like tour guides, presented interesting facts about it.

At each country, “visitors” were also given samples of a traditional food; played a game native to the country, and made a craft related to the culture.

Ross-Squirrell thought the study and culminating event were productive and engaging for students.  “I think for a first time, it went very, very well,’’ she said. “I think the researching the kids did about their countries allowed them to tap into their higher level thinking skills. And I know they really enjoyed visiting each others’ classrooms Nov. 20th and learning about the other countries.”" Thanks to Robyn Ross-

Squirrell for providing some photos!