As an educator, one of my favorite ways to get students excited about what they’re learning is to find ways to involve community partners. Real-life experiences with familiar faces from the community makes student learning that much more powerful and meaningful. Interacting with experts also builds background knowledge and inspires students by showing them how learning applies to real careers and community roles.
This school year, third-grade students at Keystone Elementary have experienced multiple opportunities to see their learning from science, literacy, and Character Strong come to life. In our first unit of science, students were introduced to the topic of seeds/plant cycles. We were blessed to have the owner of Pheasant Run Farm join us to share about the Sunflower Experience. This visit allowed students to ask thoughtful questions and deepen their understanding through authentic, real-world connections. Additionally, students also learned about bones and the skeletal system during science. The Benton County Conservationist came for a visit and students were able to interact hands-on with animal skeletons. Through direct interaction with animal skeletons, students were able to compare bone size and structure to their own, reinforcing key scientific concepts.
Another way that third graders were able to connect their learning was through visiting the Keystone polling station on election day. At the time, their literacy unit focused on governments and different ways to engage and participate in them. Students were able to directly relate what they had been reading about to something in real life. This was such a powerful thing for them to be able to see because it strengthens and deepens their understanding of the topic. In addition to academic content areas, students applied their Character Strong learning during a visit from an umpire affiliated with the NCAA, NAIA, and NJCAA. Students had been learning about responsibility. During this visit, students heard how important taking responsibility is and how it makes a big impact on their life/future careers. It was incredible for them to hear firsthand how something they were learning about in our small school in Iowa has an impact everywhere they go.
Educating our next generation of farmers, doctors, teachers, tradesmen, etc. takes a village. I truly believe that Benton Community has the most supportive and active village around. It’s amazing to see how many people care about and are willing to jump into action to support this school district.