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Administrator’s Corner by Kim Larson

Halverson Elementary students and teachers are diving into an exciting new English Language Arts (ELA) curriculum: Wit & Wisdom. Now being implemented at all elementary buildings, this innovative curriculum is transforming literacy instruction and igniting a passion for learning. Structured in thematic units called modules, Wit & Wisdom is engaging students at every grade level, sparking curiosity and deep learning. The excitement is so contagious that some students are even asking if they can explore more Wit & Wisdom lessons during inside recess!

Kindergarten: Story elements and farm life

In kindergarten, students are learning to identify story elements in texts while also exploring farm animals and their roles. Through a mix of informational and narrative texts, they have read classics like “The Three Little Pigs” and “The Little Red Hen,” with “The Three Billy Goats Gruff” next on the list. Students worked collaboratively in groups to construct houses, retell the story and act it out. Each group engaged in problem-solving, choosing their characters, selecting materials for their houses and deciding which version of the story’s ending to use. This hands-on experience helped deepen their understanding of narrative structure and teamwork.

First grade: Creature features

First graders are immersed in Module 2, which centers on the question, “What can we discover about animals’ unique features?” and “How do animals use the same features in different ways?” Through engaging texts and discussions, students are developing a greater appreciation for the fascinating adaptations of the animal kingdom.

Second grade: Life in the West

Second graders are journeying back in time to explore what life was like for early Americans in the West. They have studied the importance of buffalo to Native Americans and learned about the challenges pioneers faced on their westward journey. These lessons provide historical insight while strengthening reading comprehension and critical thinking skills.

Third grade: Exploring space and the Apollo 11 mission

Third graders are delving into the wonders of space exploration, focusing on the Apollo 11 mission. Using the texts “Moonshot: The Flight of Apollo 11” by Brian Floca and “One Giant Leap: A Historical Account of the First Moon Landing” by Robert Burleigh, students are analyzing how astronauts learned about space. They are also practicing opinion writing by crafting paragraphs about the most dangerous and amazing aspects of the mission.

Fourth grade: Surviving in challenging environments

Fourth graders are tackling the essential question: “How does a challenging setting or physical environment change or affect a person?” Using the novel “Hatchet,” they are exploring how the protagonist, Brian, adapts and survives in the Canadian wilderness. Through literary analysis, students are examining Brian’s thoughts and actions to better understand resilience and survival.

Fifth grade: Wordplay and exploration in “The Phantom Tollbooth”

Fifth graders are diving into the whimsical world of “The Phantom Tollbooth” by Norton Juster. This novel, rich with wordplay and thought-provoking themes, encourages students to explore language in creative ways. Students are creating their own characters inspired by the novel. Each character attends “Abandon Elementary,” a fictional school full of clever wordplay. Students craft detailed character snapshots, using humor and figurative language to bring their creations to life. Additionally, they are honing skills from Module 1, such as identifying themes, analyzing characters and understanding challenging vocabulary. The engaging nature of The Phantom Tollbooth is inspiring students to see the power of words in new and exciting ways.

A bright future with Wit & Wisdom

The implementation of Wit & Wisdom at all elementary buildings has brought renewed energy to literacy instruction. Students are not only improving their reading and writing skills but also developing a deeper appreciation for storytelling, history, science and language. As they continue through the modules, their excitement for learning continues to grow, proving that a well-crafted curriculum can truly make a difference.

Kim Larson is principal of Halverson Elementary School.