Lotspeich

Adoria Maxberry discusses life journey with first graders

Adoria Maxberry visited teacher Aimee Burton’s first grade class in late February to share the story of her journey to becoming a renowned Cincinnati artist and entrepreneur. Maxberry created Most OutGROWing, an organization whose mission is to help others grow through art, after she was inspired by hosting her daughter’s sixth birthday party. “I loved teaching, and I couldn’t outrun the call because I loved nothing else more than the joy of teaching others,” Maxberry said. In addition to sharing her story, Maxberry also taught the first graders how to design a woven fabric pattern modeled after the story telling found on traditional African Kente cloth using paper and markers.

Third Grade visits Makino park for Project Math

Third graders in teachers Yael Newman and Kim Walden’s class visited Makino Park to gather ideas for revisions, additions, or improvements to their playground blueprints they designed in Project Math. Students surveyed the playground’s layout, safety features, and accessibility. As part of the project, students collected and analyzed data about other students’ favorite playgrounds and decided what to include in their group’s design. They investigated the cost of various playsets and identified which equipment could be included within their budget. Students will now make their final plans and scale drawings of their main hub and other playground equipment on grid paper.

Second graders build the Amazon River

Second graders in teachers Cicely Knecht and Danielle Necessary’s class worked together to research, design, and construct their Amazon River models. Students were divided into rotational teams, ensuring each student participated in every aspect of the project. The animal team researched and painted animals reliant on the river for survival. The landmark team found landmarks along the river, and learned why they were important. The people and community team created a sign describing the location of the river and how it related to continents and bordering countries. They also researched how people rely on the river for various resources such as food, water, energy, and transportation. The river team built the river and labeled various parts, such as the source, tributary, meander, waterfalls, and riverbanks.

Third grade virtually tours National Museum of American indians

Third graders in teachers Yael Newman and Kim Walden’s class enjoyed a virtual field trip with educators through the National Museum of American Indians. The educators taught students about bison, from their lifespan to herd behaviors to how indigenous groups incorporated bison into their daily life. Students loved seeing images from exhibits at the museum and continuing their lessons about the Plains American Indians.

Pre-k celebrates Winter Olympics

To celebrate the Winter Olympics, pre-k teachers Abbey Johnson, Kayla Cappannelli, Christina Del Vecchio, Kathleen Koester, Tyler McIlwraith, Kiki Schneider, and Dorothy Spangler collaborated to design their very own Pre-k Winter Games! Students learned the rules for and played speed skating, ice hockey, ski jumping, figure skating, and bobsledding. Students travelled around the world in their classrooms when they explored the many different countries participating in the games. Not only did they decide what makes a good competition, students also discussed what makes a good competitor and the value of sportsmanship.