Elementary Career Week

Throughout the week, each grade level concentrated on a unique career each day. Students participated in a variety of activities, including read-alouds, discussions, and comprehensive lesson plans tailored to spark their curiosity. The goal was to provide students with exposure to careers they may not have heard of before, while also encouraging them to think about their future possibilities. Below are some examples of the careers which were explored! 

Students in Mrs. Cohen's kindergarten class at Conant explored the diverse range of jobs available on a farm. They had the opportunity to visualize themselves in a farm setting, choosing to engage with animals, crops, or even heavy machinery! The class discussed how various careers collaborate or coexist on a farm, all while enriching their vocabulary.

Ms. Wolfe's students in grade 1 at Eastover explored the culinary arts while following the inspiring journey of Joanne Chang and her quest to establish her own bakery. They shared personal stories about their own baking triumphs and setbacks. The students were then encouraged to either recount one of their favorite recipes or invent a brand new one.

Mr. Maryanski’s grade 2 class at Lone Pine explored a career in construction through engaging discussions centered on the choices involved in building a large bridge. Maryanski facilitated connections between the construction field and the students' existing knowledge. For instance, they examined various significant bridges across the country, which helped students draw upon their understanding of geography. Additionally, Maryanski shared the story "This Bridge Will Not Be Gray" by Dave Eggers.

In their study of architecture, grade 3 at Eastover gathered as a group to explore the roles of architects. They learned that architects build structures, harness creativity, create prototypes, and possess strong math skills. The discussion even linked back to the previous day's conversation about engineering, highlighting the collaboration between architects and engineers. Students illustrated their own architectural designs, featuring creations like the "Leaning Tower of Pizza," castles, homes with detailed floor plans, and impressive city skyscrapers.

Grade 4 students at Lone Pine discovered various types of engineers and their respective careers through investigation, research, and reflection. Ms. Bialk’s class enjoyed an animated roller coaster ride, which sparked their interest in the role of a theme park engineer. Following this, students collaborated in small groups to explore additional engineering professions, sharing their discoveries with the class, which generated even more questions. In the end, these curious learners took time to reflect on their knowledge gained.

Grade 5 students in Mrs. Marx’s class at Way didn’t have to stretch their thinking too far to understand logistics once they connected it to Amazon, Target, and Walmart! They explored the significance of delivery, timing, safety, and memberships, and even delved into innovative concepts such as drone delivery.

By the end of the week, students had not only broadened their career horizons but also gained a deeper appreciation for the diverse and dynamic world of work.