This year, Wissahickon first graders spread their wings as scientists, readers, and writers through their ELA curriculum, EL Education, and the help of the Whitemarsh Foundation.

EL Education, which is rooted in explicit, systematic phonics and phonemic awareness instruction, also emphasizes deep content knowledge and meaningful, real-world topics. The curriculum's “modules” (EL's word for “topics” or “themes”) frequently integrate environmental awareness and social-emotional learning, aligning well with WCS’s mission.

In the EL module “Growing as Researchers: Birds’ Amazing Bodies,” WCS first graders dove into the fascinating world of birds. They explored informational texts to build knowledge about anatomy, behavior, and habitats. From there, each student chose a bird to study more closely. As their research deepened, they became “experts,” eventually writing informational pieces to share what they had learned.

To bring this classroom work to life, Wissahickon Discovery teacher Liz Biagioli partnered with the Whitemarsh Foundation. The organization, founded in 2001, is dedicated to conservation, open space preservation, and environmental education in the Whitemarsh Valley. Their Dixon Meadow Preserve, a 14-acre habitat that has attracted more than 115 bird species, served as an ideal outdoor classroom.

Whitemarsh Foundation Program Director Troy Bynum, a wildlife photographer and accomplished birder, led students through a day of hands-on exploration. Each child also received a backpack filled with birding equipment, and the Foundation provided transportation, lunch, and a live bird show on top – all at no cost to families or to Wissahickon!

The entire experience felt kismet. WCS teachers described the experience as “the best field trip we’ve ever been on.” In addition to the enriching content of the day, they raved about Troy’s ability to connect with students, his patient and engaging teaching style, and his thoughtful approach to meeting a wide range of developmental needs. 

This partnership has truly reflected the value of connecting strong academics with real-world learning. Thanks to the generosity of partners like the Whitemarsh Foundation, our students are building strong literacy skills while also developing curiosity, observation, and a lasting connection to the natural world.