Mrs. Coomber's Kinderland

My kindergarten class is working on a quarter-long project about our community. Last week, we went on a field trip to explore the Mississippi River and to look for Bald Eagles, which come to fish in the winter near the lock and dam system. On our drive, we crossed two of the three main bridges (and could see the third one) over the river. The shouts of excitement from the back of the van filled me with joy.

Mrs. Coomber, we are on the interstate bridge. I see the Mississippi River! I cross this bridge every day on my way to school.

I cross this bridge when I go to my grandma’s house.

My mom crosses the bridge to go to work.

I see the Central (Centennial) Bridge! (pointing out the window) I’ve been on that bridge before.

Is there a train above us? (crossing a metal bridge) Why is it so loud?

As you can see by their comments, these bridges literally connect the people and places in our community.

When we returned from our field trip, I set up an invitation for the students to build the bridges in our community. I printed photos of the three bridges we saw on our trip and hung them on the wall above my light table. I then put out a few different types of magnets and some metal trays.

Here are some of the results:

I know it’s been a great day of learning when the students ask me to take pictures of their work to send to their parents. I just love how they added their own touches (and brought over more building materials) to the bridges.

My class will soon create a large 3D map of the whole community. The Mississippi River will feature prominently through the middle of the map. I would love to add these bridges to the map, but I am still considering materials that would hold together more permanently than magnets. Any ideas?

Thank you for reading.