At Guardian Angels School, our Kindergarten classroom offers more than just a foundation in early education – a journey of exploration, creativity, and hands-on learning. This year, our Kindergarten students have embraced several exciting projects that fuel their curiosity and teach valuable lessons in science, teamwork, and environmental responsibility. Here are some highlights of their amazing experiences so far.
Building a Garden Bed: Planting Seeds for the Future
One of the most inspiring projects this year was the creation of a garden bed. Led by a discussion about healthy eating and where food comes from, the Kindergarten students decided to build their own vegetable garden.
The first step was to find a suitable location, so the students went to the Principal to inquire about the best spot for their garden bed. With permission secured, the students worked together to source leftover lumber from a local hardware store. Thanks to a gracious parent volunteer, the students had help assembling the bed.
Building the garden bed was a multi-stage project. The students began by laying a liner at the bottom of the bed, then added logs, branches, leaves, compost, and soil. With great excitement, the Kindergarten students planted garlic bulbs in the four corners of the bed, ensuring that the garlic had a cozy “hay blanket” for the winter months.
As part of their learning, the students created signs for the garden, reminding others to be mindful of their new space. This allowed them to practice their understanding of letter-sound relationships while fostering a sense of ownership over their work.
In the spring, they look forward to learning about companion planting and growing their own vegetables. Their goal is to learn more about food scarcity, cultivating the land responsibly, and the power of working together as a community.
The Bird Feeder Project: A Helping Hand for Our Feathered Friends
Another exciting project was the creation of bird feeders. It all began when the students asked a simple but thoughtful question: Which birds migrate and stay to visit our feeders in the winter? This question sparked a series of lessons and activities focused on local bird species, such as bluejays, cardinals, goldfinches, and chickadees.
To help the birds survive the harsh Canadian winter, the students worked together to design and build their own bird feeders. They tested materials like wood, metal, cardboard, and plastic in the snow to determine which would be the easiest to work with and best suited for the winter weather. After much collaboration, they decided to use plastic and treated cartons.
The next step was finding the best place to hang the feeders. Students surveyed the playground and chose spots high up on strong tree branches, well away from predators. Each bird feeder was carefully built with a perch and a window, ensuring the birds could enjoy a safe and hearty meal.
To complete the project, the feeders were filled with seeds that did not contain nuts to aid in digestion. This provided the birds with a necessary boost during the colder months. The entire process was a wonderful example of teamwork and care for nature!
Looking Ahead
The Guardian Angels School’s Kindergarten program nurtures well-rounded, compassionate young people who understand the importance of working together and respecting the environment. Through hands-on projects like the bird feeders and garden beds, students gain valuable life skills that will stay with them for years to come.
As the year continues, there’s no telling what other exciting adventures await our Kindergarten students. One thing is certain – their curiosity, enthusiasm, and dedication to making the world a better place will only continue to grow. At Guardian Angels School, we are incredibly proud of our Kindergarten students and the achievements they continue to celebrate!
