Curious children ask questions. They might ask why a flower has petals, or ponder how something as large as the moon can look so small in the sky. As parents and educators, we not only want to help children find answers to such questions, but also foster and encourage the sort of curiosity that drives children to ask them. This wonder – this desire to deeply know and understand the world – can make for a meaningful, empathetic, and character-driven life, especially if preserved into adulthood.

At St. Barnabas Episcopal School, we encourage curiosity and creative thinking, especially during kindergarten and the elementary school years. We find that by encouraging students to ask questions and seek understanding, we inspire and support their confidence, both as learners and as individuals. We do so through hands-on learning and grade-level-appropriate enrichment activities that encourage each child to discover, embrace, and utilize their unique abilities and interests.

Hands-On Lessons

In every subject from math to social studies, our faculty members make a point of incorporating plenty of hands-on lessons. These lessons help elementary students directly see how the material they are learning is applied in the real world, which helps keep them interested and curious.

Hands-on activities also give each child an opportunity to explore and discover their own talents. For example, a child might discover they’re really interested in art or public speaking. These experiences broaden the scope of their curiosity beyond the specific class material.

Here are a few examples of hands-on lessons at our STREAM elementary school:

• First Grade: In science, our first graders work together to record observations about nature, from the weather to light to sound.
• Second Grade: As students learn about world cultures in social studies, they also enjoy singing and dancing along with stories about faraway lands.
• Third Grade: The third grade small business project is a real hit, teaching students multidisciplinary lessons in math, leadership, and communication.
• Fourth Grade: In fourth grade, social studies focuses on Florida history, creating many opportunities for local and community-based projects and examples.
• Fifth Grade: Our fifth graders learn about westward expansion via a hands-on project that involves building miniature Conestoga wagons.

Special Areas

Some of our students grow up to become professional musicians. Others grow up to be scientists with an appreciation for the arts. Still others grow up to be writers, illustrators, or business owners. There’s something important they all have in common: they have been allowed and encouraged to explore the subjects and activities that drive their curiosity.

At our Christian elementary school, students attend one or more “special area” classes each day. Some days, it’s art. Other days, it’s music, Spanish, or library.

Students look forward to these classes because they give them opportunities to explore and think outside the box. And here’s something you might not expect: students like seeing their peers enjoy and learn in these classes, too. We hear them say things like “Joe is so good at painting,” and “Wow, Kate can really sing.” This admiration for others’ talents stays with them for a lifetime if fostered and encouraged. Peer support also helps students develop the confidence they need to keep growing, learning, and challenging themselves.

Clubs and Extracurricular Activities

Learning does not always have to be the only goal. Sometimes, the goal can be to have fun, and learning can be a welcome side effect. This is the case when it comes to extracurricular activities.

At St. Barnabas, we believe that early learning success requires that students have opportunities to explore outside of the classroom, but still in an environment where they are safe, supported, and seen. Whether at Chess Club or basketball practice, we encourage students to be themselves, ask questions, and try new techniques. When possible, we let the students drive the direction of the club or decide what to focus on in practice. This teaches independent and creative thinking in a really fun and natural way. Of course, there are always faculty and staff members around to offer adult guidance as needed.

We also encourage students to try new clubs and activities and see what they think. It’s totally okay to try Chess Club for a year, then decide to focus on sports the next! The elementary years are all about trying new things, with the ultimate goals being curiosity and character development.

Are you interested in learning more about the ways we foster creative thinking at St. Barnabas? Schedule a tour and see for yourself how our dedicated faculty balance faith and academics, creating a supportive learning environment that nurtures the whole student. We’d love to welcome you to our family.