EC Unit Celebrations: Homes

Our recent Early Childhood Unit Celebrations were a vibrant showcase of exploration and learning, as our young students journeyed through an inquiry into “Homes.” Under the central idea that “diverse homes showcase distinct adaptations and values tailored to specific environments,” our EC students engaged in a rich inquiry into the different types of homes, how they are adapted to various environments, and the values and beliefs they reflect. 

Our youngest learners in PreK1 began their exploration with a focus on animal homes, discovering how animals adapt their shelters to meet environmental needs. In PreK2, the focus shifted to personal spaces, with students sharing stories and pictures of their own homes, discussing how their families’ values and cultural backgrounds influence their living spaces. Kindergarten students embarked on a global adventure, exploring diverse homes from different cultures and climates, such as the Fujian Tulou of China, Arctic igloos, and stilt houses of Southeast Asia. Through building projects with blocks and recycled materials, they deepened their understanding of architecture, collaboration, and the challenges of construction, learning how humans ingeniously adapt their homes to their surroundings. 

By examining homes, and journeys, personal histories, and the interconnectedness of civilizations, our students gained a greater appreciation for the diversity and ingenuity of animals, their own homes, and global communities.