Blogs

Primary

Ever wonder how those crispy seaweed snacks make their way from the ocean to your hands? In Primary Classrooms 9, 10, and 11, students investigated where food comes from and how it is made. Throughout the winter quarter, I worked with Dr. Christine Lee at CONNECT with Demonstration Teachers Anna Terrazas, Cristina Paul, Nancy Villalta, and Olivia Lozano as we integrated play and movement into learning.

Primary

This quarter, I have been working with Primary Demonstration Teachers Anna Terrazas, Cristina Paul, Nancy Villalta, Olivia Lozano, and CONNECT Research Project Scientist Dr. Christine Lee in implementing and understanding play-based learning. A few weeks ago, I observed Demonstration Teacher Anna Terrazas lead a play lesson on the Sonoran Desert. The primary students took a deep dive into the desert ecosystem and explored how living things, like cacti, owls, lizards, and coyotes, can survive in severe conditions. Through role-play, they investigated not only what it means to adapt in a specific environment, but how these adaptations look different across creatures.

Primary

In a lively classroom exploring the wonders of the Sonoran Desert, students weren’t just learning about animals — they became them. One student embodied a Mexican wolf, prowling on all fours, while their friend fluttered around as a delicate hummingbird. When it was announced that an unexpected rainstorm started, the wolf didn’t hesitate; they called their hummingbird friend to take cover under a desk, instinctively creating shelter amidst the powerful storm.