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On Thursday, December 12, kindergarten students at Shady Side Academy’s Country Day School proudly presented their “Come to My House” Showcase in the Great Hall. This culminating event celebrated the completion of an interdisciplinary Homes Project that brought the themes of family, community, and creativity to life in a meaningful way.

The Homes Project is rooted in the kindergarteners’ early-year exploration of the concept of community. "We start by talking about our school community and families, recognizing that we all live in different homes,” explained kindergarten teacher Beth Knicely. “We also discuss homes around the world and what makes a house a safe and comfortable home." Students read a variety of books about homes, explored what homes need to provide safety and comfort, and learned how different types of homes reflect their environments and cultures.

Research was a key component of the project, even for students still learning to read. With guidance from the school librarian, students observed pictures of different homes and identified their key features. They explored real-world building materials in STEM class, measured model homes using Lincoln cubes in math, and began drafting blueprints for their designs. The integration of technology allowed students to photograph and label parts of their models, while writing activities helped them reflect on their learning process.

The project officially kicked off with a “Groundbreaking Day” on December 3, when parents joined the classroom to help students begin constructing their home models using mostly found and recycled materials. Third and fourth-grade buddies also lent a hand, fostering connections across grade levels as the kindergarteners brought their creative ideas to life.

The December 12 showcase was a culmination of weeks of hard work and collaboration. Students proudly displayed their completed home models alongside artifacts and photos documenting their process. Each child read aloud a personalized poem written by Ms. Knicely about their unique home, and the event concluded with a touching performance of the song “Home” by Phillip Phillips, sung by the kindergarten class.

“This project is such a special way to connect our themes of community with hands-on, creative learning,” said Knicely. “It allows students to see how their ideas can come to life while learning so many skills along the way.”

Having launched the Homes Project just last year, the tradition is quickly becoming a favorite among students and families alike. It’s a perfect example of the authentic, integrated learning experiences that define Shady Side Academy’s Country Day School.