The Kindergarten through third-grade students at Chicago Heights Wilson School recently enjoyed a visit from Dave DiNaso's Traveling World of Reptiles.
The students participated in an interactive, fun-filled reptile show during which they learned many facts about the often-maligned animals.
From desert and rainforest species to the standard types found in almost every backyard, the show introduced students to a wide-ranging array of reptiles, many of whom are facing extinction due to habitat loss, hunting, the pet trade, and other reasons.
During the program, the students were engaged in a lively, interactive, and hands-on experience during which they learned about an extensive variety of reptiles and amphibians.
*Our students loved the fact that they were able to interact with the animals," said second-grade teacher Lamese Grunstad.
"One of the best things about the experience is that once the students had returned to the classroom, they were eager to share reptile facts that they had learned," she noted.
First-grade teacher Natasha Roberson also was pleased with the students' enthusiasm, saying, "The students loved the hands-on interaction with the animals and were engaged and very excited."
"The students loved being able to handle the animals, and their excitement was obvious throughout the program," added third-grade teacher Kristi Jones.
According to second-grade teacher Natalie Lewis who organized the event along with first-grade teacher Deonna Stinson, the program was aligned to the district's Science curriculum and built upon things that the students had learned during a recent trip to the Lincoln Park Zoo.
"The show was a great hit and "sensationally slithering," Lewis opined, "and our students left the program saying that the presentation was "'amazing, wonderful, fantastic, and awesome!'"