English Teacher Harry Keys
Welcome to my classroom, where curiosity thrives, and exploration is encouraged. In today’s world, effective communication and collaboration skills are crucial for 21st-century learners. That’s why I make it a priority to nurture skills like teamwork, self-management, and critical thinking in every lesson. With a student-centered approach, I empower my students to take the reins of their own learning journey. I’m Mr. Keys, and I’m thrilled to showcase some of the impressive work our Grade 5 KCFS students have accomplished this semester.
In our latest project, students have delved into the fascinating world of bird feeders. The overarching goal of this project is twofold: to empower students to contribute positively to our local wildlife and to encourage environmentally conscious design choices. In our latest lesson, students embarked on an immersive exploration of bird anatomy, delving deep into the intricacies of avian physiology. They created three prosthetic beak types; a grain eating beak, a chiseling beak and a surface skimming beak. They then carried out feeding tests with their prosthetic bird beaks to gain insights into the eating habits of our feathered friends. Armed with this newfound knowledge, students integrated their discoveries into the design process, selecting feeder designs tailored to cater to the needs of the indigenous bird species inhabiting our school grounds, with an additional focus into their beak type, feeding style and food choice.
I was really impressed, not just by how our students carried out experiments, but also by how they shared their findings. They really showed off their teamwork and communication skills while discussing their results. What stood out was how well they connected what they learned to our local environment, conservation efforts, bird behaviors, and broader environmental concerns. Plus, they seamlessly blended technology, art, and clear communication in their final presentations. Watching them share, I felt immensely proud.
Impressed by their adept demonstration of 21st-century skills—collaboration, clear communication, and critical thinking—I’m filled with confidence for their future success. Their enthusiasm, engagement, and dedication to continued community contributions paint a promising picture for their STEM journey ahead. With innovative problem-solving and environmental awareness, they’re poised for impactful careers. Guiding these remarkable minds has been a privilege, and I eagerly anticipate the positive impact they’ll make on the world with their skills and determination.