Washington Kindergarteners Collaborate to Discuss Book

Washington Primary School teacher Emily Meyers likes to give her kindergarten students the best classroom experience possible so she keeps the atmosphere lively. The youngsters recently participated in a collaborative video conference project with a kindergarten class in East Aurora outside of Buffalo.

The students were able to discuss the different characters found in the picture book, “Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?” and showcase the animal puppets they created.

The students also discussed the similarities and differences of places and things they see around our neighborhoods. It was an interactive and engaging experience. The students loved the experience!

Washington Elementary School opened in September 1954 along with its sister schools, Flower Hill and Southdown. During its planning and construction it was known as Whitson Road Elementary School, before the Huntington School Board decided new schools located south of 25A would be named for US presidents and those north of the state route would be named for the area of their location.

The Washington kindergarteners enjoyed the collaborative project and making new friends. “Through this New York State collaborative learning project, students practice reading, speaking, listening and mathematics through an interactive videoconference project,” Washington Principal Michelle Richards said. “Two classrooms pair up and students compare what they see and experience within their local communities. They create a class book or poster. Each student created a puppet of their favorite animal in the story to share with the partner class.”

More such collaborations are on the horizon at the school along with other initiatives. “At Washington Primary School, we prioritize literacy development through speaking, writing, interaction, reading and listening,” Dr. Richards said. “This practice is incorporated into every learning experience in order to help our ‘Washington winners’ develop solid foundations in academics and social-emotional learning.”