Kindergarteners Explore Various Communities in Student-Led Fair

As proof that their small size doesn't imply a lack of capability, kindergarten students proved their mettle as they showcased their communities during their Community Fair last March 7 around the Early Years classrooms. Held from 10:20 am to 11:40 am, the fair was a culmination of their unit of inquiry that had the central idea that “roles, rules, and responsibilities help support communities.”

Throughout the unit, the kindergarteners learned about what makes a community. They also identified the communities they belonged to, such as home, school, church, and interest-based communities. Resource speakers then spoke to the learners about their own communities, which inspired what they formed for the Community Fair.

“The principle behind IB is to learn; we don't just leave things like that. For example, we have this culminating activity, and … we are … fostering enduring understanding and lifelong learning,” Gerizim Level Coordinator Erica Wei shared. “The things that they have learned will be put to test after this unit and after this Community Fair if they want to keep going and sustain the communities they created.”

Teachers collected ideas from the Gerizim classes and then narrowed them down to seven communities: the Cartwheel Crew, Jewelry Crafters, Mini-Sketchers, Little Chefs, Lego Builders, Galaxy Adventurers, and Kiddie Cosplayers.

Within the seven given communities, students signed up to be members of the design team, promotions team, activity team, and thank you team. Based on their respective roles, they designed posters that they hung around the school, promoted to the older students, brainstormed activities, and made thank-you cards.

The Cartwheel Crew invited visitors to learn how to do gymnastics under the guidance of gymnastics coach, Wilburt Hans Wei. Visitors made bracelets with the Jewelry Crafters, learned about the story of Jesus through a customized bracelet, and expressed their creativity by sketching or painting with the Mini-Sketchers.

Alliyah Storm Posada from the Jewelry Crafters expressed her excitement about the fair and said she joined her community “because [she wanted] to help others.”

Meanwhile, those in the Little Chefs community offered delicious treats like candies and pancakes, while the Galaxy Adventurers educated visitors about NASA and distributed freebies relating to outer space.

The Kiddie Cosplayers welcomed guests in cute costumes, and those who signed up could customize their own masks. Finally, the Lego Builders displayed Lego masterpieces and had a building area designated for visitors to experience joining their community.

Each community had one parent volunteer who assisted with the sign-up sheet and activities on the day of the fair.

“The community fair [that] happened last [March 7] is really helpful for the kids to understand the different communities we have,” parent volunteer Harlet Liu mentioned. “I observed that the kids appreciate the role assigned to them and they show their skills through this activity. Kids love role-playing and I believe that the kids feel that each role they play on [sic] the event helps the fair to be successful. … I am glad to be part of this event and see kids shine and excel, you can really see kids are so special.”