October Classroom
Every October The Phoenix School sets aside time to prepare their contribution to Salem's Haunted Happenings events. Older students design and build large scale carnival-type games that kids who come to Salem the weekend before Halloween can play at the party that is offered to the public. Younger students create a friendly haunted house for little ones to safely navigate at the party. This year we all researched and studied the Rain Forest so our games and haunted house were based on the Rain Forest theme. Students in grades Pre-K through 4th created a haunted rain forest. They used their in-depth knowledge of the plants and animals of the rain forest to create scientifically accurate and artistically beautiful leaves, birds, leaf-cutter ants, butterflies and animals of the rain forest environment which were used to create an amazing walk-through rain forest for the party. Students in grades 5th-7th designed and built games based on rain forest animals. They began by brainstorming ideas with partners, followed by drawings which became straw models, then scale balsa wood models, and finally grew to full size constructions made of 1x3 lumber and insulation board, motorized and decorated, ready to offer fun and challenge to party participants. Each game included elements of simple machines and motor driven movements. October's integrated curriculum was based on our study of the Rain Forest, encompassing literature studies, math, science, geography, cultures, and the visual arts, engaging students of all ages and abilities, creating excitement for learning in all areas.
