Engaging Young Minds: How Experiential Learning is Transforming Kindergarten ELA in District 65

At the heart of every great education is the spark of curiosity—and nowhere is that more important than in kindergarten, where children’s first experiences with literacy shape their future learning. Thanks to a generous grant from Foundation 65, the Kindergarten ELA Integrated Experiential Learning program, led by Kingsley kindergarten teacher, Alyssa Zuravel, is bringing the Wit & Wisdom curriculum to life through sensory-rich, hands-on experiences that engage and inspire our youngest learners.

What is Experiential Learning?
Experiential learning moves beyond textbooks and worksheets to immerse students in real-world experiences that deepen understanding and build lasting connections. For kindergarteners, this means exploring themes through field trips, sensory activities, and collaborative projects that complement their ELA lessons.

The Program in Action
In Ms. Zuravel’s classroom, 19 eager students from diverse backgrounds—representing Black, Mixed Race, Asian, and White identities—have been able to engage with literature in meaningful new ways. One highlight was a field trip to a local farm, an opportunity many of these children would not otherwise have had. This shared experience enriched their vocabulary and provided a common foundation for classroom discussions.

Throughout the year, she enhanced the Wit & Wisdom curriculum with carefully selected materials and activities designed to make learning tactile and engaging. By integrating sensory elements into reading and writing lessons, students not only improved their academic skills but also built confidence and social-emotional growth in a trauma-informed, equitable environment where every child’s experience mattered equally.

Why Equity Matters
One of the program’s key strengths is its equity lens. We ensured that every student, regardless of socioeconomic status, language ability, or learning differences, could fully participate and benefit. For example, children who might not have support at home found their learning scaffolded through classroom activities, creating a level playing field for academic success and personal growth.

Measuring Success and Looking Ahead
Assessment data from the Wit & Wisdom curriculum showed significant growth in student learning compared to previous years, and student engagement was a joy to witness firsthand. The program’s success inspired plans for expansion: for 25-26, seven additional kindergarten classrooms across four schools have adopted this experiential learning approach, with hopes of creating a district-wide network of support for kindergarten teachers.

Looking Forward
As we continue to grow this program, Ms. Zuravel’s goal is for every kindergarten classroom in District 65 to benefit from integrated experiential learning—bringing books off the page and into the real world, fostering curiosity, joy, and a lifelong love of reading.

Watch Ms. Zuravel share more about her project below!