Buckley Third Graders Bring History to Life!
In an exciting and innovative approach to learning, third-grade students at Buckley Country Day School have embarked on a captivating journey into the past. The young scholars have been diligently researching historical figures as part of a unique project that combines history, narrative nonfiction, and creativity.
Students selected a historical figure, conducted in-depth research, and then brought their chosen personality to life through engaging presentations. What sets this initiative apart is the culminating event where students donned costumes representing their chosen figures and presented their findings to their peers, teachers, and parents.
“The goal of this project is to make reading come alive for our third graders,” said Kathryn Downing, one of Buckley’s third grade teachers. This project was a culmination and celebration of a Narrative Nonfiction unit. Throughout the students’ study of Narrative Nonfiction, third graders were given the opportunity to learn about various historical figures, both past and present. They took a close look at early life, challenges, and accomplishments of these historical figures, and even thought about life lessons the class could learn from them. Mrs. Downing continued, “by embodying historical figures, third graders not only gain a deeper understanding of the individuals who helped to shape our world, but also develop essential research and presentation skills.”
Indeed, these historical figures did seem to come to life on the screen, as the students used AI tools with their teachers to have conversations with the subjects of their research about what their lives were like, and how they were able to achieve their many accomplishments.
“This certainly enhanced the students' learning experiences and provided an additional element of excitement to their biography study. The integration of AI tools in education offers a promising horizon filled with opportunities.” said Elizabeth Lyons, Head of Lower School at Buckley.
The students have been exploring a diverse range of historical figures, from inventors and scientists like Albert Einstein and Charles Darwin, to leaders like President Barack Obama and Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg, activists like Malala Yousafzai and Greta Thunberg, and athletes like Simone Biles and Derek Jeter. The project not only aligns with the curriculum's learning objectives but also encourages creativity and public speaking skills among the students; skills that are fostered throughout the grades, culminating in an 8th grade speech presented to the entire community during Friday assemblies.
This event was an enlightening and entertaining showcase of the students' hard work and dedication to learning about the past. Congratulations, Buckley third graders!
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Buckley Country Day School
2 I.U. WILLETS ROAD ROSLYN NY 11576
P: 516 627 1910
P: 516 627 1910
Buckley Country Day School admits students of any race, color, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally available to students at the School. Buckley Country Day School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry , religion, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by law in respect of, without limitation, its educational policies, admission, financial aid, hiring and employment practices, use of school facilities, athletics programs, and other school-administered programs. This policy governs the conduct of all Buckley Country Day School employees including faculty, staff, and summer programs employees.