Feb. 6, 2009

What Lives in The Forest?
TA students take a Forest Expedition

Classroom lectures come to life everyday at Tuscaloosa Academy. As part of the college-preparatory curriculum from PK-3 through 12th grade, students are challenged daily to apply their knowledge.

First grade teacher Joan Robards has completed a unit on “What Lives in the Forest.” At the conclusion of that lesson, students were allowed to spend some time outside digging up the earth with shovels. They then poured what they found into a pan, and sifted through the dirt with their hands to see what they could find.

“Hands-on learning is one way we help our students retain information,” says Science teacher Kim Ouderkirk.
Students found live earth worms, leaves, crickets, forest bugs, and other critters on their ‘what lives in the forest’ expedition.

“It’s all about making the connections. We talk about leaves and forest habitat in the classroom, but it isn’t really enlightening until the students immerse themselves in the forest and dig for creatures, and touch and feel the actual forest environment,” says Joan Robards, First grade teacher.

Hands-on learning lessons like these, are a part of Tuscaloosa Academy’s school-wide college-preparatory curriculum.

Science Teacher Kim Ouderkirk and Beau Davis       Benjamin Wates

Christopher Guaraldo, Jonah Kim, and Kevin McNeal

First Grade teacher Joan Robards finds a worm and doesn’t freak out!

Christina Sealy

Carson McNeal, Lillie Nichols, Christina Sealy, Madison Moore

Jan. 28, 2009

TA’s first grade celebrated 101 days of school!

TA’s first grade celebrated 101 days of school by dressing up as 101 Dalmatians.
“As teachers, we are always looking for ways to make connections and relevancy,” says first grade teacher Joan Robards.
“ With this theme, we are able to reinforce math skills with counting, numbers, and more,” says first grade teacher Kim Kirk.
17 children are in two first grade classes at TA taught by Joan Robards and Kim Kirk.