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Our Presumpscot School Community

School: Presumpscot Elementary School

City/State: Portland, ME

Grade(s): K

Format(s): Interview(s)

Subject(s): English Language Arts, Social Studies, Visual Arts

Project Overview

Kindergarten students at Presumpscot School in Portland, ME created these “community cards” as a way to become familiar with the people in their new school community.

To create this project, Presumpscot School staff members gave presentations and brought students to visit their space in the school. Each student was assigned a staff member to interview and get to know. Then, each student created a card about their staff member, including information about their job, a tool they use in their daily work, and their interests outside of school. On the back of each card is a school map with a star placed on that staff member’s space in the school. Students honed their skills with interviewing, illustration and non-fiction writing. 

The community cards were compiled into a directory of staff members and they are used as a guide for visitors, new students and their families. 

How This Project Can Be Useful

  • The writing and artwork are nice examples of kindergarten work. The drawings are carefully done and are evocative of the fine motor ability of young students.
  • A nice way of introducing students to their new school, while learning interviewing skills.
  • Students went through a process of multiple drafts of their illustrations and this project highlights the power of critique and revision – even with kindergarten students.

Relevant Resources

Common Core State Standards

Standard Long Term Learning Target
W.K.2
  • I can teach my reader about a topic using pictures and words.
W.K.5
  • With support from adults, I can revise my writing by adding details.
W.K.8
  • With support from adults, I can answer questions about things I’ve done or learned about.
SL.K.3
  • I can answer questions to show what I know.
L.K.1
  • I can use grammar conventions to send a clear message to a reader or listener.
L.K.2
  • I can use conventions to send a clear message to my reader.
L.K.6
  • I can speak using words I hear in books.
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