Pre-K: Building Graland 2.0
Pre-K students recently completed a building study that invited them to explore how structures are designed, built, and used in the world around them.
The study began with listening to the stories “Rosie Revere, Engineer,” “Iggy Peck, Architect,” and “The Three Little Pigs,” which introduced students to the idea that strong buildings start with thoughtful planning and solid foundations. Students learned what makes structures sturdy and safe and heard from experts through classroom visits from architects and other building professionals.
As the unit continued, students practiced sketching and took campus walks to observe Graland’s buildings more closely. During a building scavenger hunt, they searched for features such as windows, doors, and electrical outlets, helping them notice how buildings are designed to support everyday life.
Toward the end of the study, students visited the Gates Invention and Innovation Lab for a building project. With families invited to join, students were given the challenge to design and build Graland 2.0, imagining what they would add to Graland’s campus if anything were possible. Their buildings included features such as a gondola, a candy shop, a room for celebrating birthdays, a place where students could sleep at school, and even a room just for cats.
The study wrapped up back in the classroom with a gallery walk, where students had the opportunity to see and celebrate each other’s work.
Graland Country Day School
Graland Country Day School is a private school in Denver, Colorado, serving students in preschool, kindergarten, elementary, and middle school. Founded in Denver in 1927, Graland incorporates a rich, experiential learning approach in a traditional classroom setting, emphasizing the development of globally and socially conscious leaders who excel academically.
