Cassandra teaches Flynn, Annabelle, Ingrid, Declean, Amelie and Kim about water quality. 69885 Picture: Donna Oates
By Casey Neill
STUDENTS became teachers for the day at Emerald Primary last Thursday.
The school participated in Kids Teaching Kids to share their knowledge about caring for the local environment.
Teacher Leigh Johnson said the day was “sensational”.
“It was an incredible experience, watching kids teaching kids,” he said.
“Students worked industriously preparing presentations.
“They did a great job engaging other kids. They presented new ideas to take home and try in their own schools.”
About 40 students were involved, from Emerald, Gembrook and Macclesfield primary schools and Emerald Secondary College.
“I’m so proud of the way the kids got together and made it happen,” Mr Johnson said.
He said the day’s presentations were inspiring, including those from guest speakers Emerald for Sustainability (EmFSus) member Lee Fuller, La Trobe MP Laura Smyth, and water and sanitation experts.
“You find someone who’s good at what you want to learn, learn from them, and then teach others,” Mr Johnson said.
One of the best moments, he said, was Macclesfield students teaching the Emerald kids about their own frog bog.
“Macclesfield are very good at water quality,” he said.
“They found many living creatures, indicating the frog bog was in great condition.”
Kids Teaching Kids is a national organisation that helps children learn from each other.
The education model uses local environmental issues as a theme for learning.
Kids Teaching Kids starts in the classroom, and extends into the community as students grow and share their knowledge and sense of responsibility.
