Students become the teachers at River Heights

Wednesday was turnaround day at River Heights Elementary School as students took centre stage to teach parents and other visitors about various aspects of history, science, geography, art and language at the school’s first ever learning exhibition.

Students built displays and prepared presentations in their classrooms on things they have enjoyed learning about in school. The public could tour through the classrooms Wednesday and learn something interesting and informative at every turn.

River Heights principal Natosha Mastel said the idea was to empower students in their learning.

“Today, we wanted to share what learning looks like here with parents and our school community,” said Mastel. “The students at certain grade levels chose what they were going to exhibit, and then we have other students who are showcasing their learning in the format they choose.”

Grade 6 student Brook Blyth gave a presentation on gender and class roles in ancient Greece. She enjoyed the learning exhibition’s student-led format.

“I learned back then women didn’t have very many rights, and now that has changed a lot that women have most, if not all, the same rights as men now; which is a good change. I think it’s good just to look around and see the different things people are learning.”

Grade 3 student Olivia Elec, on the other hand, just enjoyed sharing her art and poems with her dad Keith.

“I am excited to be here today,” she chimed. “I wrote a poem, and I got to write other poems and do art. I like that!”

Keith was pleased to see his daughter showing such keen enthusiasm for her school work.

“She is quite enthusiastic to be showing me around today, and lead me on to other things. I have no idea what, but I am sure she will have a big smile on her face as she takes me to it,” he said with a chuckle.

Grade 2 teacher Dawn Hunt said she had noticed a change in the confidence levels of her students since they began giving their own presentations at the learning exhibition.

“They have retained a lot of information, and having this

NEWS PHOTO EMMA BENNETT Grade 5 student Christian Pinangay describes his science experiment to classmates Wednesday during a Learning Exhibition at River Heights Elementary School. Grades 1-6 participated in the afterschool event, sharing projects with teachers, parents and classmates.