First-graders at Gribbin School learned drag-and-drop block coding with STREAM (science, technology, research, engineering, arts and math) teacher Jessica McKenna as part of the district’s participation in the Hour of Code, a worldwide effort that celebrates computer science.

The lesson began with students watching a short video that explained the Hour of Code. It continued with a class discussion on why machines need to be programmed. Mrs. McKenna reviewed internet safety rules with students before they picked a partner to create their own Flappy Bird game. The class was directed to a QR code and students used their iPads to access their class’ Seesaw account, which contained the instructions. Students had a great time coding, dragging and dropping blocks to create different sounds and movements for their Flappy Bird games.

Mrs. McKenna shared that the students learning to drag and drop block code is new to the first-graders, who used arrows to code last year. The drag-and-drop block coding requires students to read their desired selections.   

Second-graders from Gribbin and high school ceramic art students worked together to create pinch pot creatures during a special meeting at Glen Cove High School on Nov. 28.

The collaborative lesson began with the second-graders brainstorming and drawing their ideas for a unique pinch pot creature. The high school students and art teachers Vicki Gordon and Lee Ann Palazzo provided instruction and guidance to the second-graders as they worked with clay to begin their creation. The youngsters learned to shape the clay, to remove the bubbles and patted it into a ball before placing their thumbs in the center to create a mouth. The students then created eyes, arms and other features for their creatures.

Ms. Gordon will place the second-graders’ projects into her kiln and return them to Ms. Palazzo so students can paint and decorate them in upcoming art classes. The teachers organized the class activity so the high school students could impart their knowledge of working with 3D artistry. The children had a wonderful time working with the older students.     

Gribbin kindergarten students recently visited Morgan Park as part of their yearlong nature study initiative for the 2018-19 school year. Students participated in a scavenger hunt, searching for acorns, oak leaves, seed pods, twigs, pine cones, sweet gum and other fall items.

Prior to their nature walks, the kindergarten teachers Ms. Bekios, Ms. Kamola, Mr. Segreti, Ms. Stasco, Ms. Totino and Ms. Vaughan introduced their children to Suzanne Slades’ book, “Out of School and Into Nature, the Anna Comstock Story.”  

The kindergarten students will also continue to spend time in their own “native garden,” observing, journaling and connecting to the wonders of nature. 

Gribbin school students celebrated autumn by taking part in an afternoon filled with many different activities while demonstrating teamwork, creativity and fitness in a fun way. All of the students had a wonderful time!