PreK students are in the midst of learning about community helpers through a curriculum that cultivates understanding of the local environment in which they live. Learning about the community is a stepping stone for learning about cities, states, the nation and eventually the world. Visits with actual community helpers highlight the unit of study. Over a three week period, students hear from and engage with police, fire, military, healthcare, nutrition, coaching and other professionals. Students climb into police cars, try on fire-fighting equipment, bake in the cafeteria and learn about serving in the community.
Courtesy of Chef Bev and Chef Ginger, our students donned their own chef hats, and learned the process of making banana muffins! This lesson focused on cooking for others, and learning about how serving others with food is serving with love. Our hearts (and stomachs!) are full.
Our on staff nurse, Nurse Chelsea, shared how big of an impact tiny germs can have! She demonstrated why washing our hands is so important, and our students were able to “see” how effective handwashing can be. Nurse Chelsea used special glowing “germ” dust, and demonstrated proper hand washing techniques. The students helped her sing “Happy Birthday” to ensure she washed her hands for a long enough time.
Sergeant May, Officer Thompson, and Officer Sams from the Leander Police Department shared how working in a patrol vehicle as a police officer helps others. The students were able to clamber throughout the vehicle, including taking a seat in the driver’s spot for an eagle eye view. While the sirens were incredibly loud, the students’ giggles and great questions made everything seem new again.
Finally, the Cedar Park Fire Department Station 3 came out to show off their firefighting equipment. The students got to learn about the different aspects of being a firefighter, and check out the fire engine. They also got to see different tools of the job, from chainsaws to the Jaws of Life. One of the firefighters donned his bunker gear and demonstrated how firefighters are able to breathe while fighting fires.
Our thanks go out to the SCA staff, Leander Police Department and Cedar Park Fire Department for teaching students about their jobs and how various people in the community help take care of them!
