The Kinder Project: A Cross-Curricular, Collaborative Initiative

At Kindersley Composite High School (KCS) and Westberry School, an innovative project known as The Kinder Project brought together students from different age groups and disciplines to foster creativity, collaboration, and learning. This initiative involved Mrs. Froese's English Language Arts (ELA) A10 students, Mr. Motier's Visual Art 10, 20, and 30 students from KCS, and Mrs. Dimitroff's Kindergarten students from Westberry School. The project aimed to build connections across age groups, curriculums, and abilities, allowing students to experience the roles of writers and artists in a unique and engaging way.

The project began with a planning phase where Mrs. Froese sent a creative package to the kindergarten class to spark their imagination. The students were tasked with designing their own superhero, complete with a name, superpowers, favorite color, and favorite food.

The next stage involved the high school students visiting Westberry School to meet their kindergarten partners. Despite initial nervousness, the students quickly engaged in conversations about their superheroes. This interaction was essential for the Art students to understand the design of the superheroes and for the ELA students to gather details for their narrative plots. The visit provided a fun and meaningful opportunity for students of all ages to share ideas and build connections.

After the initial meeting, the high school students returned to their classrooms to begin their work. The ELA students focused on developing plotlines, exploring narrative storytelling, and honing their writing skills. They worked on organizing their thoughts, introducing conflicts, and crafting stories that conveyed lessons for readers. Additionally, they practiced groupwork skills, such as dividing tasks, communicating expectations, and meeting deadlines.

Meanwhile, the Visual Art students concentrated on creating drafts for three-dimensional stuffed animals based on the kindergarteners' superhero designs. They learned new skills like creating templates and sewing, and they engaged in problem-solving to bring their designs to life. The drafting process involved making modifications and ensuring that the final products were both creative and functional.

The culmination of The Kinder Project coincided with Halloween, adding an extra layer of excitement. The high school students eagerly returned to Westberry School to present their completed stories and stuffed animals to their kindergarten partners. The hard work and creativity of the students were evident in the final products, which were both fun and memorable.

The kindergarteners were thrilled to see their super hero ideas come to life in stories and stuffed animals. The experience of having their own creations transformed into tangible items was unforgettable. The kindergarten class discussed various ways to enjoy their new books and stuffed animals, from reading the pictures to identifying letters and words, and even snuggling with their new toys.

In a heartwarming gesture, the kindergarteners surprised their high school partners with homemade bookmarks, adding a personal touch to the project. The high school students, in turn, gained valuable insights into the creative process and the importance of collaboration. The teachers involved in the project expressed pride in their students' efforts and the meaningful connections that were formed.

The Kinder Project exemplifies the power of cross-curricular and cross-age collaboration in education. By bringing together students from different backgrounds and skill levels, the project not only fostered creativity and learning but also built lasting relationships and memories.