From learning new artistic techniques to playing games that foster good sportsmanship, students in kindergarten, first and second grade at Wantagh Elementary School are exploring their interests in enrichment clusters.

After a successful enrichment program for students in grades 3-5 in November and December, workshops for the primary grades launched in the new year. They attend four sessions from late January through the middle of February. Students were placed into the workshops based on their top choices.

Kindergarten sessions mostly focused on creativity. Workshops included Arts & Crafts, Directed Drawing, Paint With Me and Claytastic. There was also Puzzle & Games and mindful meditation class.

Mindfulness Movement, a first grade workshop, focused on relaxation techniques. Students could learn how to calm their bodies and minds through breathing exercises, coloring activities, Tai chi and yoga. In accessory making, students used beads to create bracelets, necklaces and rings. Those looking for some competition could enroll in Connect with Games or Scrabble Jr. 

In second grade, the Gamers Group allowed students to play a host of board games and card games. Students learned the rules of games and etiquette. In the Help Animals workshop, students made blankets to donate to local animal shelters. Young engineers made percussion instruments in the Science of Sound and also programmed Dash robots to play the xylophone. A coloring class focused on 10 different coloring techniques that students could explore, while Creative Movement gave them a chance to express themselves through music. 

For those looking for a little more action, there was a soccer workshop for first graders and hockey for second graders. All of the enrichment classes were led by grade-level and special area teachers.