Portrait Peeks – Pattison: Stefanie Hinners
Purposeful Collaborators | Critical Thinkers | Confident Learners
The cow goes moo, the pig goes oink, and the eagle? At Pattison Elementary, the eagle thinks critically, creates persistently, and collaborates with purpose. While the eagle may not have been one of the animals featured in Stefanie Hinners’ kindergarten habitat diorama project, her students showed they are already on their way to embodying Milford’s Portrait of an Eagle.
As part of a lesson focused on the vocabulary word "habitat," students were tasked with building dioramas using yarn, felt, paper, animal figurines, and other creative supplies. They worked together to brainstorm how to turn basic materials into water, fences, barns, and grassy areas. The hands-on project sparked collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking as students brought their assigned habitats to life.
After completing their dioramas, students were challenged to write about their animal and the environment they created. The writing component allowed them to reflect on the process, reinforce new vocabulary, and grow their confidence as learners.
Students were even able to apply things they had learned earlier in the year during a field trip to Gorman Heritage Farm. During their visit, they explored farm life and observed real-world examples of animal habitats. They noticed key features such as troughs, fences, and shelter, which they then used as inspiration for their own creations in the classroom.
Throughout the day, Mrs. Hinners also used quick call-and-response strategies to support behavior and self-reflection. Students were asked to reflect on their actions, identify solutions, and consider how to implement them, helping them build accountability and awareness in a positive, supportive way
In Mrs. Hinners’ room, learning is full of movement, meaning, and moments that stick. These kindergartners may be small, but they are already learning to soar like Eagles.
