Hands-On Discovery: Inside Ms. Cerda’s Dynamic Grade-Level Experiences
In the heart of the Freret neighborhood, a dedicated teacher is revolutionizing the 3rd grade experience with a series of innovative, immersive learning adventures. Ms. Cerda, a veteran educator at Samuel J. Green, a FirstLine School, has spent the last decade and a half crafting and refining what she calls “signature grade-level experiences” – a set of traditions that have become the hallmark of the third-grade curriculum. We recently sat down with Ms. Cerda to talk about how these experiences enhance student engagement and learning, and help to build positive, transformational relationships between students and teachers. The full interview is below.听
Can you tell us a little bit about how long you’ve been doing these grade-level experiences and how they got started?
At FirstLine, we believe in the power of experiential learning to broaden our students’ horizons and foster a deep connection with their community. Our innovative programs go beyond traditional classroom walls, offering unique opportunities that blend academic skills with real-world experiences. I have been doing these experiences for 15 years here at Green! I got started by looking at my social studies standards, such as explaining connections between ideas, events and developments, describing the significance of major events in history, and identifying and describing national historic figures, celebrations, and symbols, and then creating experiences based on these standards.
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What are the benefits of creating these experiences? For students? For teachers? For the relationships between students and teachers?
Experiential learning offers numerous benefits for both students and teachers. For students, it encourages risk-taking, fosters collaboration, and builds problem-solving skills. These experiences boost confidence, expose students to new situations, and develop essential social skills like cooperation, teamwork, and leadership. As a result, students eagerly anticipate participating in these activities, which often lead to improved academic performance. The shared experiences create strong bonds between students, teaching them the importance of making connections and building relationships in life.听
For teachers, these experiences evolve into cherished traditions over time, bringing excitement and predictability to the school year. One of the most rewarding aspects is the deeper connection formed with students through these shared experiences. Students become more motivated to attend school and work harder, driven by their desire to participate. This enthusiasm often translates into better academic results. It’s heartwarming to see younger students looking forward to reaching 3rd grade just to take part in these activities, while older students fondly recall them years later. Showcasing photos of these experiences at the 8th grade graduation always stands out as a highlight, underscoring their lasting impact on students’ educational journey.
Ms. Cerda鈥檚 Grade-Level Experiences: A Closer Look听
The experiences revolve around the central theme: “We are history, exploring our environment and celebrating historical events and people.” This overarching concept is brought to life through two primary themes: exploration and teamwork. While our adventures are exciting, they also align with key 3rd grade standards. Students practice comparing and contrasting, examining different viewpoints, understanding cause and effect, engaging in simple design, and exploring climate.听
Our curriculum seamlessly integrates geography, history, and economics, ensuring a well-rounded understanding of our world. Through this holistic approach, we not only meet academic standards but also cultivate curious, collaborative, and culturally aware young individuals ready to explore the world around them.
We celebrate five different grade-level experiences in my classroom, this includes our Market to Table experience we share with the Edible Schoolyard Program (ESYNOLA), canoeing with LOOP, hiking at Jean Lafitte National Park, and learning about and celebrating both Cinco de Mayo and the lunar New Year.听
During the Market to Table, students work with our ESYNOLA program to develop skills needed to navigate the Farmer’s market alongside local chefs from around the city. At the market, they select ingredients to create a five-course meal. Upon returning to school, students work in teams with school chefs to prepare their culinary creations, with their families invited as special guests. This immersive experience integrates various educational elements, including mathematical concepts, problem-solving techniques, experimentation, and social-emotional learning through communication with classmates, vendors, and chefs. It’s an innovative way for scholars to learn in real-time while engaging with their community.
Our outdoor adventures further expand students’ horizons. We partner with LOOP NOLA to introduce our students to canoeing, which for many is a first-time experience. This activity encourages teamwork and builds confidence. Similarly, our hiking expeditions at Jean Lafitte National Park offer a unique blend of history and nature. Students learn about historical figures like Jean Lafitte and even get to dress up as pirates! While at the park, they explore Louisiana’s unique ecosystems, participating in scavenger hunts that reveal the wonders of our wetlands, swamps, and bayous. They encounter local wildlife, including alligators, and learn about our state tree, the Bald Cypress. These outdoor experiences are not only exciting but also therapeutic, allowing students to connect with nature in meaningful ways.
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Cultural celebrations play a significant role in our grade-level experiences, offering students immersive experiences in diverse traditions. Our Cinco de Mayo celebration is a vibrant example of this approach. Students learn and perform five different traditional Mexican dances, including a special dance with their families. The event culminates in a festive Mexican meal shared by students and their families. This celebration allows students to immerse themselves in Mexican culture in a fun, interactive way, integrating a myriad of skills and techniques. The impact of this experience is long-lasting 鈥� countless Green alumni have shared that Cinco de Mayo was one of the highlights of their time at our school.
Another cultural highlight is our Lunar New Year celebration. Third-grade students take the lead in presenting what they’ve learned about this holiday to the entire lower school. The celebration includes a Fan Dance, Dragon Parade, and student-led art activities for everyone. What makes this experience particularly special is that while third-grade students lead the event, it involves the whole community, fostering a sense of leadership and shared cultural appreciation.
These grade-level experiences are designed to show our students the possibilities in life, inspiring them to work hard and dream big. As educators, I believe it’s our responsibility to open up the world to our students. At Green, every primary scholar gets the opportunity to explore a different country, which is another reason why our educational approach is truly exceptional.
Throughout the year, students embark on journeys to unfamiliar places, delve into diverse cultures, and share their newfound knowledge with the entire school. These activities not only foster a spirit of exploration but also emphasize teamwork, as each student plays a crucial role in our collective adventures, whether we’re navigating a canoe or putting on a performance.
Our unique activities are carefully designed to engage every class member, encouraging collaboration towards shared goals. This approach extends beyond the classroom, as we often showcase our learning through school-wide performances and assemblies. By integrating our experiences into the broader school culture, we create a rich tapestry of knowledge where every detail matters, and each student recognizes their vital contribution to our shared success.
Louisiana serves as an exceptional backdrop for our studies, offering a wealth of wonders and experiences. We take a deep dive into the state’s culture, with a special focus on New Orleans. Hands-on explorations of swamps, local art, cuisine, terrain, and historical sites provide our scholars with immersive and unforgettable experiences.
Why are these experiences critical to our work with children and families?
For the children, we aim to expose them to the world around them, encouraging them to take risks and try new things. For the families, these experiences allow them to participate and witness their child’s success not only in academics but also in extracurricular activities. Moreover, these opportunities encourage families to become more involved in the school, as they too want to be part of these enriching experiences. Ultimately, this approach fosters a more engaged and supportive educational community for everyone involved.
How do these experiences help distinguish FirstLine from other schools?
I think Firstline stands out from other educational institutions due to its holistic approach to teaching the whole child – mind, body, and spirit, which can be seen across all four 直播做爱. This philosophy was evident when I joined 18 years ago, as we aimed to provide students with diverse experiences. It has been a joy to witness the development of kitchen and garden classes across all our schools.听
Today, these classes, along with the innovative experiences created by our teachers, have transformed Firstline into a vibrant and joyous environment for both students and educators. By offering a safe and nurturing setting that supports a child’s social, emotional, and academic growth, we provide a warm, integrated, and systematic introduction to the world beyond the classroom. This approach ensures the development of competent, positive, and well-functioning adults – the ultimate goal of top-notch schools. Firstline’s commitment to this comprehensive educational experience truly defines what our network offers to students and the community.
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