University of Regina Education students (EAES 310, Arts Education for Early Elementary) visited Brandy Melnechenko and Kim Leurer’s Kindergarten classroom at McLurg School. Retired Henry Janzen School principal, Donna Nikiforuk (formerly Pym), who is now teaching at the U of R, wanted to provide students with an opportunity to explore what art can look like in Kindergarten.
The students met with Brandy, where they got a crash course in Kindergarten art. They heard about how they incorporate learning about famous and contemporary artists in the Kindergarten classroom. U of R student Skyler Fellner commented, “My favourite was when the teacher said to expect the best, even at a young age.”
The students then got the opportunity to work with the children on a cupcake project inspired by American artist Wayne Thiebaud. The Kinders loved working with the students. They created incredible cupcake works of art. They were very excited to tell the students all of the things they had learned about art since the beginning of the year.
“It was so well organized. It was amazing what they knew; sometimes we downplay what kids this age can do,” said student Jordan Reeves. “It is so neat; they talk about real‐life artists, treating them like they can learn like adults do,” commented Sarah Rohde. When the Kindergarteners were asked if they had fun working with their new friends, they all cheered.
When they came in from recess, they wanted to know why their new friends had gone away!
Teachers Brandy and Kim are looking forward to collaborating with the university Education program again very soon.
‐ Submitted by Brandy Melnechenko and Kim Leurer
Kindergarten Teachers, McLurg
