Classroom Happenings: Junior Kindergarten

Every day at Steward is filled with discovery … especially when you’re a junior kindergartener! Under the nurturing guidance of teachers Robbin Hataway, Katy Koppanyi, and Amy Harris, our youngest Spartans play, research, investigate, and problem-solve. They especially enjoy it when guest speakers join them in the classroom. 

“Special guests add a wonderful dimension to our students’ learning,” said Ms. Koppanyi. “They enrich the learning experience, help students make cross-disciplinary connections, and encourage critical thinking. Plus, it’s a lot of fun!”  

Pamela McCartt, a museum educator from the Children’s Museum of Richmond, recently stopped by Steward to talk to junior kindergarten students about the five senses, a topic they had been exploring for many weeks through themes such as apples and pumpkins.  

Paging through “My Five Senses,” a colorfully illustrated children’s book, Miss Pamela playfully asked, “What do you like to smell with your nose?” She encouraged students to start with the words “I like to smell…” They happily shared their favorite scents, including the smell of Play-Doh! Using props (including a giant fluffy stuffed animal cat) and lots of singing and dancing, Miss Pamela shared how touching, tasting, smelling, hearing, and seeing help us every day.

Jessica Huff (mother of Levi ’38 and Lucy ’36) and Jessica Blumberg (mother of Pheona ’38) stopped by the junior kindergarten classroom to talk about Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year. Using an overhead projector, Ms. Huff read aloud “Is it Rosh Hashana Yet?” — the story of a family that celebrates Rosh Hashana by making cards, lighting candles, and eating special foods, including honey and apples. 

“We eat apples and honey to celebrate a sweet New Year!” said Ms. Huff. After finishing the book, Ms. Huff and Ms. Blumberg shared a sweet treat they’d brought along for the class: sliced apples and thick, golden honey. 

Ms. Hataway said, “We’ve been talking a lot about apples lately … we read “Little Mouse” and “The Big Red Apple,” tasted different types of apples, and made applesauce. Ms. Huff and Ms. Blumberg’s visit was a great way for the children to make meaningful connections between what they’ve learned and what our special guests shared.” 

Junior kindergarteners have also been studying community helpers, and they were very excited when Firefighter Matt McCarty (father of Dorothy McCarty ’38 and parent of Jake Gallo ’30) stopped by. He started by asking students, “What does a firefighter do?” and explained that their responsibilities entail more than extinguishing fires: They respond to emergencies, rescue people who are trapped or injured, and provide medical assistance. Laid out in front of him were his firefighter’s turnout gear: jacket, pants, gloves, and helmet. 

Holding up a smoke alarm, he asked, “What does a smoke alarm sound like? Does it sound like … a dog?!” Giggling, students exclaimed, “No!” and “It chirps!” As Mr. McCarty donned his firefighter suit piece by piece, he explained that it is made of heavy, flame-resistant material, and he invited students to try on his gloves. “Wow! They’re too big!” exclaimed a student. Mr. McCarty ended his visit by posing for photos with our little community helpers. 

Thank you to all the guest presenters who shared their time with our Spartans!