A Colorful Collaboration: Kindergarten Concert

In library class with Lead Librarian Mrs. Ashleigh Stepanian, students engaged in an author and illustrator study of Oliver Jeffers, focusing on "The Day the Crayons Quit." They explored the emotions and challenges of the crayons, then stepped into the shoes of Duncan, the lead character and owner of the crayons, by writing their own letters back to them. These thoughtful and creative responses imagined what Duncan might say, bringing the book to life in a personal and meaningful way. Their letters became part of the concert as students read them aloud while performing.

Meanwhile, in Tinker Time with Lower School Innovation Specialist Mrs. Elizabeth Leddy, students dove into the world of invention and problem-solving. They began by learning about the history of crayons—why they were invented and how they are made—through nonfiction books and a crayon factory video. They then returned to "The Day the Crayons Quit" and identified challenges faced by the crayons, brainstorming ways to help them. This led to the design phase, where students built inventive solutions such as a ladder for blue, a stencil for purple, a resting bed for gray, and a way for yellow and orange to share the role of the sun.

The concert was a lively event that reflected the power of interdisciplinary learning at Graland, where students connect ideas across subjects, think like problem-solvers, and bring their imaginations to life in meaningful ways.