Kindergarten: Penguins, Pigeons, and Authors, Oh My!

First, students virtually visited the Mystic Aquarium for a very special meet-and-greet with Green-Blue, the painting African Penguin. Green-Blue is 19 years old and loves to create custom paintings for his visitors. After Sierra Canyon students requested the colors they would like to see in their artwork, Green-Blue's handler shared some facts with the class about African penguins and their habitat. Students learned that African penguins can see a full spectrum of colors, which makes painting pictures with their feet an enriching activity for them as well! The Mystic Aquarium currently houses 32 African penguins, each with its own unique personality. They are an endangered species in the open ocean and some of the things we can all do to help protect them include putting our trash in the correct recycling bins and always making sure to recycle and reuse items when possible. 

Kindergarten students have also been creating some art of their own with Lower School Art Instructor Emma Prado after reading and discussing Don't Let the Penguin Stay Up Late by Mo Willems. After talking about the book and why it's important to go to sleep on time, students drew the pigeon character from the book with an "attitude" pose. 

Finally, Kindergarten students marked their first Authors' Celebration. At the end of every Writer's Workshop unit, students edit and prepare to publish their work. They celebrate with special treats as they read their stories aloud.