Sembach kindergarteners ready for first grade, celebrate with hands-on family workshop

SEMBACH, Germany – Sembach Elementary’s kindergarteners in Dr. Ryan’s class recently hosted a joyful student‑led family workshop, giving parents a meaningful glimpse into the learning that had taken place throughout the school year.

Students proudly guided their parents through hands‑on activities, explained classroom routines in their own words, and demonstrated the confidence and independence they had built. The room was filled with excitement as families experienced the learning process directly from their children’s perspective.

Throughout the event, students showcased skills aligned with DoWEA Kindergarten Standards. In literacy, they demonstrated how they identified sounds in CVC words, produced letter‑sound correspondences, read high‑frequency words, and discussed key details from familiar stories. They also practiced essential communication skills by answering questions, describing events, and clearly explaining their thinking.

In math, kindergarteners showed how they represented addition and subtraction with drawings, solved simple word problems, and decomposed numbers in multiple ways. Parents were able to see firsthand how these foundational skills had been developed through daily practice, exploration, and play.

The workshop also became a heartfelt moment of appreciation as the class celebrated Dr. Ryan’s final year as a DoWEA educator. Families and students honored her dedication, leadership, and the lasting impact he has made on young learners throughout her career.

To make the day even more memorable, the event concluded with a class picnic, where families, students, and staff gathered to enjoy food, sunshine, and time together.

Laughter filled the air as children played, parents connected, and everyone celebrated both the students’ achievements and Dr. Ryan’s remarkable career. It was a beautiful end to a meaningful and unforgettable learning experience for the 2025-2026 school year.