While expanding their focus on communities, Grade 1 students took a close look at their favorite places in Stamford and surrounding towns, conducting research, creating models, and sharing their learning with peers and adults. Cove Beach, Chelsea Piers, King School, restaurants, and numerous ice cream shops, were among the places that captured the students’ attention.

Their models are now on display in the Lower School.

Teachers Julia Rachinsky-Wood and Zachary Levine asked their classes to consider how spending time in a favorite place strengthens communal connections. 

“The JCC is an important part of my community because my whole family swims there. We are happy when we are there,” stated William Liang ’34.

Each student chose a location in their community and was tasked with describing it so others would want to visit. Determined to promote their locations in the most compelling way possible, the students practiced persuasive writing and presentation skills. 

With various art materials and recyclables at their disposal, students built upcycled models to pair a visual element with their writing. Each project displayed a QR code linking to a student-created informational video about their work. The future engineers considered shapes and materials as they built their models; they problem-solved and adjusted their plans as needed.

This was a perfect example of project-based learning. Students were practicing and implemented a variety of skills. The lessons, “were centered around reading, writing, and verbalizing reviews,” noted Levine. “This project was a great way to cover all subject areas giving students the opportunity to talk about it and brainstorm for it throughout the day.”

“I liked building my restaurant Slice with blocks,” said Ellis Steer ’34. “I liked that I got to make my own choices. I got to be free and build and design whatever I wanted.”

Full of pride and accomplishment, the young builders and marketers invited their families to show off their projects.