KINDERGARTEN'S E.P.I.C. MOUNTAIN EXPEDITION

KINDERGARTEN'S E.P.I.C. MOUNTAIN EXPEDITION EXCELLENCE, PERSEVERANCE, INTEGRITY, COMPASSION

INSPIRATION

The inspiration for this expedition is to incorporate our school’s four character traits through literature and real world experiences. Conway’s character norms are being EPIC: excellence, perseverance, integrity and compassion. At Conway the expectation is that students show these EPIC traits both as scholars and active citizens. The foundation of character is built in kindergarten so that children personify EPIC in their academic, social, family, and ultimately in their professional lives. It will help them be successful in everything they do and become well-rounded citizens to make our community and the larger world a better place to live.

"I like kindergarten because we learn about math, and that we should never trick people just like the boy in the book, The Little Boy Who Cried Wolf." - Jose

Mastery of Knowledge and Skills

Students learn reading, writing, speaking and listening through the use of multiple resources such as videos, fiction and non fiction complex texts, field work and expert visitors with the goal of being able to personify the Conway Elementary Character traits of Excellence, Perseverance, Integrity and Compassion.

"I liked to tell my mom about all the work I did and what things she could help me with at home."- Amy

"I like to tell people about EPIC mountain because I like to tell them what I am learning in my class."-Ariel

"When we read the book, The Little Red Hen, I learned that you have to persevere to get what you want." -Lincoln

Because learning is meaningful and relevant to our students' lives, they take ownership of their work and are proud to share it with visitors, family and friends.

Character

Our expedition is based on the idea that a community is built on EPIC character traits. Students find that characters in stories can show Compassion, Integrity, Perseverance, and Excellence. The class collaborates to identify ways that they show each character trait at school and at home. Each student writes how they show each character trait and it is kept in their academic portfolio.

Our students deepened their understanding of our EPIC norms by diving into literature and communicating it through writing.

Student Writing

"The Three Little Pigs story helped me learn that we should always do our best just like the pig who built the brick house. Excellence means trying your best even if it's hard." -Adrian A

"I showed perseverance when we walked all the way to the grandpas and grandmas place to sing for them on Better World Day. It was really far and I felt tired, but I did not give up!" - Ricky

FIELD WORK AND EXPERTS

Experts and field work play a vital role in our expedition to deepen the learning experience connected to real world platforms.
We go on several CREW walks around our neighborhood to build stamina and CREW spirit. These walks also teach us how to walk together and be safe in preparation for our walks to visit the elderly in our community.
We visit Bates Nut Farm to learn about farmers and how they show integrity every day as they grow our food. We also walk to Villas Del Norte to sing to the elderly and create a relationship with the residents. Additionally, we sing to the police officers and firefighters at the police station.
We tour Palomar College to learn what a college is and what they do there to continue our learning about community helpers.
Our fieldwork to the San Diego Children's Museum is to investigate forces and motion. We participate in activities that encourage perseverance and critical thinking.
We analyze a youth theatre performance as an example of High Quality Work in preparation for own performance of The Three Little Pigs which emphasizes our EPIC trait of excellence.
Experts: A drama teacher from Luminary Arts collaborates and coaches our students to deepen their performance skills. Additionally, a meteorologist from a local news station shares the process of becoming an expert in the field.

STUDENT LED CONFERENCES

Kindergarteners create portfolios that address character and academic progress and goals that they independently discuss with their caregivers and family members.

Students debrief with their teacher about their learning, how they are progressing towards their learning targets and what next steps they need to make to attain their learning goals.

Craftsmanship

Students build a community creating characters, buildings, parks and roads as they learn how a community is based on Integrity. Also, they create puppets and retell stories for each character trait and collaborate to build sets and perform a play as a culmination of their learning. Kinders show High Quality work during multiple singing performances during the year.

With guided support and gradual release of responsibility, kindergarten students are equipped to take on challenging projects that build curiosity and critical thinking.

REVISION AND FEEDBACK

Kinders develop perseverance, compassion and a growth mindset by receiving and giving each other kind, specific and helpful feedback on their work. They share their "Glows and Grows" with each other which is all about building on strengths and learning from mistakes.

Kinders show compassion and excellence as they collaborate in the peer feedback process.

When the mouse saw the lion get caught in the net, the mouse showed compassion by chewing the net so the lion could get away."- Hannah

High Quality Work and Striving for Excellence

Reaching top of EPIC Mountain means kinders strive for excellence in all they do. Kinders sang with excellence at the community senior center, and performed for the Escondido Fire and Police Department. To become excellent performers, kinders analyzed professional performers (models of excellence), created high quality work criteria lists, practiced and made multiple revisions during practices until they met the criteria for excellence.

"I loved singing to the grandmas and grandpas because it made them really happy. It made me happy to make them happy. We had to strive for excellence and never give up. We showed perseverance when we practiced a lot!" -Elizabeth

CONWAY

KINDERS

ARE

E.P.I.C!

Created By

Therese Ellsworth

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