Curiosity Crawls for Think Together Students
This summer, Think Together students from Colton Joint Unified School District got an up-close look at some of the world’s most fascinating and misunderstood creatures during a live reptile presentation from Wild Man Dan.
From a bright blue poison dart frog to a massive Burmese python, Wild Man Dan introduced students to reptiles and arachnids from across the globe. This interactive learning experience brought science and wildlife education to K-6 grade students through discovery-based learning, a key approach among the many types of play in early childhood that support cognitive and emotional growth.
“I really liked learning about all the interesting animals; my favorite was the scorpion,” shared fourth grader Evalyn. “We also learned about the difference between venomous and poisonous animals, which was super cool.”
Daniel Quinones, better known to students as Wild Man Dan, emphasized the importance of presentations like this one. He noted that many kids are afraid of the animals they might find in their own backyard, and the goal is to replace that fear with understanding and respect. By learning about these creatures, students can safely observe wildlife in nature and understand the importance of protecting animal habitats.
Think Together’s summer programs ensure students continue building knowledge and curiosity during critical out-of-school months. According to the American Federation of Teachers, summer learning loss extends far beyond academics. When students don’t have access to engaging and enriching summer programs, they can also lose out on critical supports that impact their health, well-being, future career opportunities, and long-term stability.
“It’s super important, especially during the summer, that the kids have these hands-on activities,” said Esther Garcia, Think Together Site Program Manager. “We want to make sure we’re closing the gap and giving kids every opportunity to really learn something.”
Throughout the show, squeals of excitement filled the room. Students who were hesitant at first began to lean in, ask questions, and even cheer for the animals. The experience sparked a noticeable shift from fear to fascination as students engaged more confidently with the crawly creatures.
By connecting students to science, nature, and even career paths they might not otherwise encounter, Think Together helps them dream big and shine bright!
