UPK Classroom Spotlight: Bedford CSD

This year, Bedford CSD’s prekindergarten students completed a thematic unit on water. During this unit, the students learned about different types of water and where it comes from. They explored water and learned why it is important through observations and hands-on explorations. They discussed water that they interact with daily, bodies of water such as ponds and oceans, and weather-related water like rain and snow. The students were able to see changes in water temperature when making their own ice cubes.

Prekindergarten classrooms used their water tables to conduct a sink and float activity and explore snow. Students were able to discuss with their classmates how the snow was changing right before their eyes. Dramatic play centers were transformed into aquariums and the ocean. Students were involved in this transformation by creating an underwater mural showcasing all the different sea animals and plants. Students even upcycled an egg carton to make an octopus!

Student work related to the unit on water was displayed in each classroom during the unit. Students chose one thing they wanted to create that involved water. They chose to create animals that live in water, types of water, a water faucet, a scuba diver, a snowman, boats, weather-related water, and even a water fountain! Some students labeled their work using vocabulary cards to help them as needed.

Students were engaged, excited, and proud of their work throughout the water unit. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for these children! 

UPK Classroom Spotlight Opportunity

The Office of Early Learning is looking for best practices from districts, CBO, and Direct Contract Agency UPK classrooms to spotlight throughout the year. If you are interested in sharing a success story in any of the following areas, please submit your story via email to the Office of Early Learning at OEL@nysed.gov.

• Learning centers
• Theme integration
• Building classroom community
• Differentiated instruction
• Kindergarten transition
• Diversity, equity, and inclusion in the UPK classroom
• Anything the district is inspired to share with the field

You will need to include the following information in your submission:

• Subject: UPK Spotlight Submission
• Local Education Agency Name
• Teacher Name
• Photo of the best practice in action
• 1-2 paragraphs describing the best practice and highlighting any results since its implementation.

We look forward to hearing from you!