Mrs. Gerbino and Ms. Gallino’s kindergarten classes at FJC worked on a research project to welcome the arrival of spring, focusing on the delightful topic of rabbits. This collaborative project provided an enriching educational experience as the two classes met daily to explore various aspects of rabbit life. Through this project, students not only developed a deeper understanding of these soft and adorable creatures but also fostered essential skills in collaboration and comprehension.

“By focusing on the theme of rabbits, the students were not only engaged in a subject that piqued their interest but also developed essential skills aligned with New York State Learning Standards,” Ms. Gallino said. “The integration of various research materials, including books, Pebble Go, YouTube, and online resources, facilitated a rich learning environment where young learners could explore multiple facets of rabbit life. This variety allowed students to access information from different perspectives, enhancing their comprehension of topics such as rabbit life cycles, habitats, eating habits and other fascinating facts.”

Two examples they learned were that rabbits sleep with their eyes open and that their teeth never stop growing.  

“This exploration was not merely passive; rather, it encouraged active discussion among peers about their findings,” Ms. Gallino said. “Collaborative learning fosters critical thinking and communication skills as children articulate their thoughts and engage with one another's ideas. The hands-on approach to research allowed students to absorb knowledge in an engaging manner while promoting social interaction – an essential component of early childhood development.”