Home
Sixth Graders Explain "How-To"
One of the traditional sixth grade right of passage lessons at WFS is writing community profiles. Looking for a more pandemic-friendly lesson in writing longer essays, sixth grade English teacher Sean Kerrane thought of the idea of having each sixth grader write a “how-to” essay. This was a manageable way for the students to tackle longer-form writing while focusing on something they already knew well or loved doing.
The how-to essays included life lessons in taking photos and making friends; practical skills like organization and stretching; artistic skills like how to draw a person’s eye; and athletic skills like how to beat a defender in soccer. Also, just in time for Thanksgiving, there were plenty of delicious how-to essays, like how to make a double berry custard pie. “Ahh, the sweet smells of custard and berries. Baking pie isn’t the most fun thing in the world, but the taste is what makes people want to make it,” sixth grader Jared wrote.
Looking to clean and organize your space? According to Pam, there are three steps you need to take to improve your room: cleaning, organizing, and decorating.
The students offered practical advice and also encouragement to their fellow students. “Remember there is no such thing as success or failure when you illustrate. But as long as you like it, it is a success!” Joss wrote about drawing the human eye.
“You have completed a plie combination. Hate to break it to you, but it only gets harder. Keep it in mind that ballet is extremely difficult to master, and you've made an outstanding first effort!” Liza wrote in her essay about how to position your feet in ballet.
Once their how-to essays were completed, each sixth grade student signed up to complete another student’s essay. They were asked to then leave a video response on Flip Grid (a website that facilitates video discussions) answering the following questions: What was fun? What was challenging? What was surprising?
“A byproduct of this project is the community we are building and the learning we get to do from each other,” Kerrane said.
This is just one case of the teachers at WFS constantly looking for new ways to engage students while developing their academic skills.
Please Note: Our news items are grouped by calendar year.
More News
-
UPenn Social Innovators Program
Wilmington Friends School partnered with the University of Pennsylvania’s Center for Social Impact Strategy and Schoolyard Ventures to offer the Social Innovators Program, a 12-week virtual course in social entrepreneurship for 10th and 11th graders. Through online classes, real-world case studies, and guided project work, students earned a Certificate in Social Entrepreneurship while designing and launching ventures to address issues meaningful to them.Read More -
Quaker Matters Podcast: Reese Bryson ’25 and Charlie Bradford
As part of her Senior Exploration, Reese Bryson ’25 interviewed Charlie Bradford for the Quaker Matters Podcast.Read More -
Thank you!
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the following retirees, whose dedication, leadership, and care have made a lasting impact on the Wilmington Friends School community!Read More -
IB Extended Essays
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma is often considered the highest standard for college preparatory education. This year, 29 members from the Class of 2025 were IB diploma candidates.Read More -
Final Assembly: Celebrating the Class of 2025!
At Final Assembly, we gathered to honor and celebrate the Class of 2025!Read More -
Max Leffler ’22 Gives Back
Max Leffler ’22 recently hosted his 5th Annual Disc Golf Tournament, raising $5,200 in support of The Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation and its mission to fight childhood cancer.Read More -
QUEST Term Service & Leadership Trip
At the start of summer break, 15 Wilmington Friends Upper School students traveled to El Paso, Texas, as part of a QUEST Term Service/Leadership Trip. This immersive experience combines global education, leadership development, and community engagement.Read More -
Middle School Mastery Projects
Read MoreThe mastery program in middle school is a semester or year-long, student-initiated and student-produced project designed to develop that student's talents, interests, and skills. The emphasis is on achievement and completing a finished product that is either presented or displayed publicly in a polished, masterful way. Mastery projects may include academic research papers, visual and performing arts projects or performances, special teaching units, and physical projects. -
4th Grade Electric Convention
4th graders held their annual electric convention, an opportunity to showcase their electric projects to lower school students and faculty!Read More -
Lower School Field Days
Read MoreSo much laughter and fun (for the grown ups, too!) at this week's lower school field days. Bring on summer! For more photos, visit our Smugmug page (password can be found in the Friends on Friday message). Photos courtesy of WFS Yearbook -
The Sunny Side of Wellness
For Mental Health Awareness Month, middle and upper school students answered the question "How will you take care of your wellness this summer?" The Quaker Cares committee then created a vision board with the many responses!Read More -
Music in the Parks Winners!
Congratulations to our middle school band and choir, who were both winners at last week's Music in the Parks competition in Hershey, Pennsylvania!Read More -
TED Talks, Mini Society, and Learning about National Parks
Exciting things are happening at the lower school these last few days of school!Read More -
Senior Explorations 2025
Read MoreCelebrations for the Class of 2025 have begun, and last night was Senior Exploration Night, where members of the Class of 2025 presented the projects they’ve been working on for the last month. -
Yearbook Distribution!
Middle and upper school students enjoyed ice cream and time with friends at yesterday's 2024-2025 yearbook distribution! The end is in sight!Read More -
Lower School Culture Quest Celebrates Juneteenth
Read MoreOur final Lower School Culture Quest was a celebration of Juneteenth! Students explored the significance of Juneteenth through hands-on activities, music, food, and arts and crafts. It was a fun and meaningful way to learn about and honor this important day! -
Preschool "Informance"
We wrapped up our spring concert series today with a preschool "informance," where our youngest students showcased their singing, dancing, and instrument playing!Read More -
Middle School 5K
One of our most beloved spring traditions...the middle school 5K! Costumed students (everything from the cast of Scooby Doo to famous athletes) walked and ran the Alapocas neighborhood all to benefit a good cause.Read More -
Preschool Field Day
So much fun at last week's preschool field day! Photos courtesy of WFS Yearbook.Read More
1
/
20
101 School Road, Wilmington, DE 19803
302.576.2900 | info@wilmingtonfriends.org
Preschool - 12th Grade
302.576.2900 | info@wilmingtonfriends.org
Preschool - 12th Grade
Statement of Nondiscrimination as to Student Enrollment
Wilmington Friends School admits students of any race, color, gender, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students of these schools. Wilmington Friends School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national and ethnic origin in administration of their educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school administered programs.
