Monday, April 7, 2014

Community Unit

Kindergarten is the year we take a community field trip.  We were fortunate enough to go to 4 different community locations in Terre Haute.  



 Our field trip started at WTHI News Channel 10.  The kids LOVED it!  We were able to take a tour of the news station and see all the computers they use for editing.  They saw all the big cameras and bright lights!  The students also were able to see where the anchors sat and where the meteorologists stood during the news.  Students were even able to stand in front of the green screen and tell what the weather was going to be like!  What a fun day!  A special thank you to Kevin Orpurt for taking the time to show us around.  He even gave us a shout out on the news!








When we were finished at the news station, we walked to Fire Station #5.  They were awesome!  When we arrived, they opened the garage doors so we could enter where the fire trucks were.  They took us on a tour of the building and explained each room.  Students were then given the chance to learn about each tool on the fire truck, as well as all the equipment they use.  One of the fireman slid down the fire pole!  They loved it!  They even gave each student a coloring book and a fire hat!  What a fun place to visit!  I had several students saying they wanted to be a firefighter when they grew up.





After the fire station we walked to the Recycling Center.  At the Indiana State University Recycling Center they took us on a tour where we could see how they handle various recyclable products.  They also explained to the students the importance of recycling.  

They gave each student a bag with a coloring book, pencil, and crayons.  They were very generous!






The last place we visited was Terre Haute Savings Bank!  They allowed us to tour the bank and see in the vaults!  The students thought this was really neat.  They even sat with the students and read them a book and explained the importance of saving money.  Each student left with a coloring book and set of crayons.  They were thrilled!



We then brought the community trip back to our classroom!  Each student created their very own community book.  Each page consisted of a picture from the field trip.  Students wrote about each location and why it is important to our community.  We also discussed other community locations that we didn't attend and why they are important.  








Students then completed the writing prompt, "What I want to be when I Grow Up."  It was really fun to see them pick a career and write about what they would do if they had this job and why they wanted it.  Several students wanted to be what their parents did for a living, but some came up with new professions!  This was very neat!  Students started by making a list of things they might do at the job, then they started their four square writing draft, and finished with a final copy.  I am so impressed with how well they use the four squares and transition words.  How do you use four squares in your room?  I use a hamburger template from Haley Ringwald.  Let me know your thoughts - I'd love to have more ideas and expose my students to various templates!








2 comments:

  1. Hi Kelsey, I nominated you for the Liebster Award! Check out my post for more details! :)

    First Grade STARS

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