by Cori Hilsgen
news@thenewsleaders.com
Kennedy Community School students recently created projects during a Makers Space event for students and families that was held during two family/teacher November conference days.
Principal Laurie Putnam said Jodie Kragness, the school’s differentiation specialist, is partnering with College of St. Benedict professors Alicia Peters and Diana Fenton to integrate the Makers Space into the Kennedy students’ curriculum.
The partnership began more than a year ago. The CSB professors have a classroom at Kennedy where they teach the classes.
The three teachers propose a problem for which the students need to design a solution. The students then go to the Makers Space to engineer a design and create a solution. They use a variety of materials, including paper, glue, yarn, paper plates and more to create their solutions.
“We are creating a truly reciprocal partnership that provides benefits to all parties,” Putnam said.
She said Peters and Fenton provided materials and support for people to let their imaginations soar during the November conferences. Students in all grades had the option to participate during the conferences.
During the school day, students in kindergarten through fifth grade will work together and with the teachers for about one hour during each five-week cycle for Makers Space.
Putnam said they hope to help students develop creativity and higher level problem-solving skills.
“I am excited we are partnering with St. Ben’s faculty to provide this educational opportunity for all our elementary students,” Kragness said. “It’s a great chance for students to think creatively.”
“Our partnership with these fabulous CSB faculty enhance the opportunities available to our students,” Putnam said. “We are fortunate to have a teacher like Ms. Kragness who is ready to team with others on behalf of students.”
Kragness provides enrichment activities for Kennedy kindergarten through fifth-grade students. She teaches lessons about science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) each Friday.
Putnam said Holly Nelson, media specialist, often helps Kragness and CSB faculty to enhance teaching and learning opportunities at Kennedy.
Kennedy students recently created projects during a Makers Space event for students and families that was held during two family/teacher November conference days. Kennedy differentiation specialist Jodie Kragness is partnering with College of St. Benedict professors Alicia Peters and Diana Fenton to integrate the Makers Space into the Kennedy curriculum.
