~ Zachary Warmke
Assistant Director of Curriculum
~ Zachary Warmke
Assistant Director of Curriculum
Embedded Files
Assistant Director of Curriculum
What does it mean to complete an English project at KICS? It’s much more than just writing a book report or a writing assignment. Each project starts with a simple question that leads students on a learning journey. Students practice new skills, research new ideas, work with their classmates, and tie everything together in a big presentation to show what they’ve learned.
By completing one of these journeys, students can grow in more ways than just English proficiency. They learn life skills like teamwork and collaboration. They take responsibility for their own work, and they help each other, too.
Our recent project in grade 4, Empathy in Action, emphasized these learning elements. In this project, fourth graders learned about empathy and the value of being supportive of their peers.
Building Real Connections
Empathy in Action really started when fourth graders paired up with first graders during the 大手拉小手相見歡 program. The older kids looked after the younger ones and helped them get accustomed to the school.
It was a great way to make the little ones feel welcome and safe, and it helped the older ones develop responsibility. But over the school year, the pairs had less and less time to meet up. We wanted to give the fourth graders a chance to check in on their little partner and see how they’ve grown.
We pushed them to consider how they could be good role models for their young partners. We used concepts of SEL, Social-Emotional Learning, to teach them about the importance of being both supported and supportive members of our learning community. We also considered all the book characters we’ve read about and how we were able to connect with them because of our sense of empathy.
A Big Reunion
Fourth graders took a surprise trip to the first grade homerooms. The younger students were thrilled to be visited by their big “brothers” and “sisters”. They chatted and had fun while the fourth graders asked them questions about their time in first grade. It was a big, happy reunion.
Making it Meaningful
The in-person meetup was fun, but to make an even bigger impact, we asked the fourth graders to show more support. First, they wrote a heartfelt letter to their partner to congratulate them on their hard work. They used the information they had asked their partner about to make their writing more personal. These beautiful, handwritten letters were sealed in envelopes and delivered to the first graders.
Then, fourth graders recorded short videos full of encouragement. They made short skits, gave practical advice, or made a rousing speech for their little partner. We emailed these videos to the first graders using our iPads. They were beyond excited to watch their partner’s video and read the letter.
A Lesson for Life
A project like Empathy in Action guides students to go beyond the book. It builds connections and friendships that could last for life. The first and fourth graders will always remember these experiences, and we hope they will continue to carry the lessons they learned here into the future as they grow into adults.
Gemma Mitchell 陳言景 502
Dear Alyssa,
Congratulations on almost finishing grade 1! It was a super big achievement, and you need to be very proud of yourself. It was super exciting to get to know you, and helping you adjust to a very new school year, in such a big school.
This year, I still remember when it was recess and I said “hi” to you. We kept playing the game we were playing and I asked you if you were interested in art, math or music, and the Nature Study Area. What do you like to do during break time? Guess what I do? I play some games and I run around the whole school! I also remember that you said you didn’t like one of your classmates. Why? What about your teachers? Is everyone nice to you? I hope so. I know you are in seat #37. Did you know I was also #37 in my class? I think that is super cool!
I saw you last time when you were in the hallway playing and someone dropped something. I noticed you went to help them. You are so kind, nice and generous. Sometimes you will face difficulty things, and it will get harder and harder, but you can do it. Go! Go! Go!
I will always believe in you that you can be kind, nice and generous to others. I hope you can have a great last week in grade 1. Oh, and it’s okay if your friends change from year to year. They definitely will, and that’s normal. Don’t worry about it. In the future you will have the best buddy EVER!
Your best buddy,
Gemma
Kane Yeh 葉闓安 506
Dear Andrew,
Congratulations, you finished spring semester. You are almost in second grade! You should say, “Wow, I am so good,” because when I was in first grade, I thought it was the hardest time in school. It was really good to know more about you last time when we had an interview in your classroom.
Did you ever get lost in school before? I did. I went down to the first floor and didn’t know where to go. If you get lost, I can help you solve your problem. I also remember that you said you “sometimes calculate math wrong.” I just want to tell you that everyone makes mistakes, so don’t be sad. Sometimes I calculate math wrong too. If you don’t know how to do it, I am happy to teach you.
You said you like school a little because your teacher is funny. It’s good for you!! You are lucky, you know? I want to have a teacher like yours. Get excited about your next teacher. Trust me, your next teacher will be good, too.
Ah, I forgot to tell you that getting a certificate is good. I have them too! I feel good. Your teacher, mom, and your friends will be proud of you. They will say, “Wow, what a good student!” or “You got a certificate in grade 1? Wow!”
Keep it up! Your grade 2 teacher will say you are good. Oh, and don’t worry about it if your friends argue. Just find good friends to play with you. Don’t be scared about second grade. It’s fun! Good luck!
Your grade 4 buddy,
Kane Yeh
Lucien Liu Rosenthal 劉樂騏 501
Dear Phoebe,
Congratulations on almost passing 1st grade! Almost. Even though the semester is as good as done, there is still a little bit to go. You should be proud of yourself for being able to blend into a new environment so quickly.
Even though I only spent like, a short time with you, you seem like a pretty nice person who is very smart judging by your habits. I saw how much you read this year. Wow, I'm surprised! Amazing, you proved to be able to read English C-O-R-R-E-C-T-L-Y.
Because you're being promoted to 2nd grade, you will have the hassle of reading more books. SOooooo, I'm going to give you some tips. First impressions are very important, so in the first few weeks of 2nd grade, you'll have to work extra hard to get on the teacher’s “good students” list, which is in their head. Oh yes! And just note that if you work hard, you will definitely be very successful.
If you ever have any questions, remember that you can always count on me for anything. Anyways, enough of me yapping and being a yapperino. Just have fun and always stay positive, no matter what happens, just know that hope is always in your heart.
Your eyes must be so sore after reading all these words. You should be even more proud of yourself for finishing all these paragraphs.
Until next time,
Lucien
Noah Cheng 鄭霽希 501
Dear Anthony,
Good job on finishing grade 1! You have been a wonderful student this year, and I am confident that you will do a great job in second grade. Second grade is a little harder. But it is a lot more fun than first grade.
Do you remember the fun memories we made together? Like when I took you around the school, or when we went to see the fish and turtles? Did you ever get lost in school? Don't worry I also got lost too! Sometimes, I even go to the wrong classroom!
When you go to Grade 2, Chinese, Math, and other subjects will get harder. When I came to interview you, you looked a little bored. And as soon as we finished, you rushed out of classroom to exercise, so I guess you are good at sports. I remember asking you how you changed since kindergarten, and you said that your writing had become more beautiful. I could see it too. I compared a paper from last year and yesterday, and the difference was amazing!
Here is my advice for Grade 2: always review your lessons at least two days before the test, and try to go to bed earlier, because day at second grade is always very busy, so you need enough rest!
If you have any problems with friends or anything else, you are welcome to come to me at 401! I hope you feel excited and ready for Grade 2!
Your fourth-grade buddy,
Noah
Kelsey Lee 李昀俙 505
Dear Ellia,
Great job for doing so well in Grade 1! I heard that you are going to Grade 2—how exciting! You might feel a little nervous, but don't worry! I wrote this letter to encourage you! When we first met, I was so happy! When you shared your book with me, I loved to read it to you, seeing your smile made so happy! Your smile also encourages me to show you even more places at Kang Chiao!
Do you remember the first time we explored different places at Kang Chiao? It was so fun exploring with you! I also remember that you look a little confused sometime, that is so cute! We explored more places that I don't even visit every day! We also took photos together, and you learned how to take them on your very first try! I just want you to know how much I enjoyed spending time with you!
After our interview, I was happy to hear that you know more places—all because we explored it together! You also learned more new words, which is wonderful! You can use them whenever you need to! I also think the way that you review your lessons is very great! In grade 2, now that you're using an iPad, try to learn some useful apps too! Also remember to keep your desk clean and tidy.
I hope you enjoy every day at grade 2. If you have any problem, always come to me at any time! I will always be there with you!
Good luck,
Kelsey
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