Fay first graders are on an exciting adventure to become penguin experts! They have been working on their nonfiction reading and note-taking skills as they research, write, and illustrate poster board presentations on various penguin species. As part of their study, they ventured into Boston to visit the penguins and learn from the expert staff at the New England Aquarium. On the final day of classes before March Break, the students will host their families for a “Penguin Palooza” in the classroom, where they’ll showcase their work and share what they have learned.

Using PebbleGo, a reading and research database designed for elementary school students, first graders researched one of the eighteen different species of penguins in the world. They used graphic organizers to support their note-taking, gathering information about what their penguin looks like, where it lives, what it eats, and then some fun facts that are unique to their species. After identifying the most essential and exciting pieces of penguin information, students carefully wrote their information on the posterboard and created colorful illustrations to accompany each fact. 

While the students worked hard to present their information neatly and colorfully on their poster boards, they are even more excited to personally share the fascinating details they’ve learned during their penguin study. For example, Tyson R. ‘33 noted that his chinstrap penguins have a distinctive call, almost like a “special song,” which helps mothers find their chicks in the bustling colony. Yianni P. focused on Rock Hopper Penguins, which inhabit the rocky islands of the Southern Hemisphere. He highlighted one of their unique adaptations -  sharp claws that enable them to grip the steep, rocky surfaces where they live. The students can’t wait to share all the amazing facts they’ve learned during the end-of-term Penguin Palooza!