Snack Sale on Thursday Demonstrates Meaningful Learning

On Thursday morning, Kathy's kindergarten will host a snack sale to help support saving tigers, an endangered species that has captured the attention of the class. This snack sale will not only raise money for a cause important to this kindergarten class, it is also an opportunity for students to study a topic of concern and determine a course of action.

With the exception of the weekly pretzel sale, we do not routinely hold sales as fundraisers at school unless a compelling case is made for the connection of the sale to classroom learning. This particular sale demonstrates the power of emergent learning opportunities. Emergent learning opportunities are deeply important at all age levels and help foster students' inquisitiveness, love of learning and academic skill acquisition.

Kathy's students have given much thought to the purpose of the treat sale and the planning of it.  In education, we often talk about meaningful learning.  The opportunity to study about a topic of interest such as tigers, raise questions, conduct experiments and take action exemplifies meaningful learning. Lessons of leadership, empowerment and research are integral aspects of this snack sale. To learn more about how the idea of helping tigers was introduced, view Kathy's blog entry by clicking  HERE!