By: Amy Keuhl, Greta Schweitzer, Christina Thiel, Kate Rothschiller
First Grade Teachers and Literacy Coach at Lincoln Elementary
“Hurry, get a doctor stat!”
This was the scene at Lincoln Elementary. First graders and students from the Southwest Area
Career & Technical Education Academy were immersed in a special culminating activity to
celebrate finishing Knowledge 2: The Human Body, from their new resource, CKLA.
Classrooms were buzzing with excitement as students rotated through several interactive
stations. One of the highlights was the "check-up" station, where young learners could provide a
thorough check-up to their furry patients. Safety was so important to these young doctors, that
they made sure to have masks and gowns on too. At another station, students dove into the
world of nutrition, balancing meals on their plates, and considering how our choices affect our
bodies.
In another classroom, was an art station where the students could express themselves
creatively, making projects that reflected their learning of the skeletal system. Of course, no
culminating event would be complete without a story! The read-aloud was a hit, with students
sitting together to enjoy a carefully chosen book that tied into the unit theme. As a bonus, they
even got to look at real X-rays, sparking curiosity and conversation about the skeletal system.
Every activity centered around bringing the concepts they’ve learned about the human body to
life.
All three of our first-grade classrooms participated in this fun and educational experience, and
we couldn’t have pulled it off without the amazing help of our student volunteers from Southwest
Area Career & Technical Education Academy. Their assistance made the day run smoothly,
allowing our first graders to engage fully in each activity.
This event was more than just fun; it was the perfect way to wrap up learning about the human
body, allowing our students to apply what they’ve learned in meaningful, hands-on ways. It was
a wonderful reminder of how creativity and collaboration can bring learning to life.