Throughout the course of the school year, Sea Cliff kindergarten students dedicated much of their time and energy to studying the lifecycles of seeds, frogs, ladybugs and butterflies. Additionally, they learned how to grow and care for plants resulting in the launch of the Sea Cliff “Kindergarden.” The integrated curriculum enabled the students to research and record facts; perform many hands on observations and experiments; discover all about earth care; measure plant growth and rainfall; and learn related songs and poetry.
On June 24th, the kindergarten students invited their family and friends to a special “End of Year Culmination” held outside in the Sea Cliff “Kindergarden.” Dressed beautifully for the occasion, the students sang and performed many songs including “Oats, Peas and Barley” and “Inch by Inch.” Additionally, they recited related poems with garden and spring themes including “Ode to Spring” and “Hurt No Living Thing.”
Teacher Shannon Shields said, “We started a tradition for our kindergarten students to pass on to future classes. In September as we harvest our first crops of fruits and vegetables, the first graders (former kindergarteners) will pass the “kindergarden” onto the incoming
K-classes.”
At the ceremony, the students, teachers and families participated in a beautiful ribbon cutting ceremony. After the Sea Cliff “Kindergarden” was officially presented, Diana Lanker delivered a heartwarming speech and presented the teachers with a beautiful potting bench. Many thanks to many local companies and organizations for donating supplies or providing materials at reduced costs including Mario Fischetti & Sons, Papasadiero’s, Smith and Hawken, and Jones School Supply Co. In addition, special thanks to the kindergarten families who generously donated their time and support.
To conclude the ceremony, the teachers reminded those in attendance that the kindergarteners released over 500 worms and dozens of ladybugs and butterflies into their natural habitat for everyone to enjoy. Thus, continuing the circle of life…
