FIFTH GRADERS TAKE LEARNING BEYOND THE CLASSROOM U
pon completing a unit on Native Americans this fall, the fifth graders were asked to demonstrate their knowledge by painting a mural or constructing a 3D model. One group of students, however, was so inspired by the unit that they decided to spend their recess time creating a life-sized replica of a Woodlands longhouse, a Plains teepee and campfire setup. Unbeknownst to their teachers, during their free time, the group of eight students took the knowledge they had gained from the unit, found materials to use on Gilmour’s grounds and created the structures. Their creations were so realistic that the doorway even faced east as was the custom. The structures were located outside the school building behind the playground area and were roped off so that they could be viewed without being damaged. They remained there while weather permitted. The students placed a sign in front proudly identifying their work. Humanities instructor Carmel Fantelli, one of their teachers, said, “We have never seen anything like this. This group of students has such a wonderful, natural curiosity to learn. They are so spontaneous.” Team member Yvonne Dell, the other humanities instructor responsible for this unit, said, “They were just so inspired. They went above and beyond.” The students behind these life-sized creations were Francesca Coan ’20, Cole Durdella ’20, Will Habe ’20, Will Holle ’20, Ava Musarra ’20, Faith Starks ’20, Elijah Wiertel ’20 and Leilani Zeller ’20.
Back row (L to R): Faith Starks, Ava Musarra, Elijah Wiertel, Cole Durdella, Francesca Coan, Leilani Zeller, Front row (L to R): Will Habe and Will Holle
Will Habe, Francesca Coan, Leilani Zeller and Faith Stark “warm up” by the campfire.
Will Habe, Cole Durdella and Elijah Wiertel
29