Blue Bell first graders demonstrate ‘Primary Educational Thinking Skills’ enrichment program to school board
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Summary
Students and staff from Blue Bell Elementary gave the board a hands‑on presentation of the Primary Educational Thinking Skills (PECS) program for first graders, showing activities that teach convergent, divergent, visual‑spatial and evaluative thinking.
Blue Bell Elementary students and their enrichment teacher showcased the district’s Primary Educational Thinking Skills (PECS) program during the Wissahickon School Board meeting Jan. 27, demonstrating classroom activities meant to develop higher‑order thinking in first graders.
Angela Farlow, principal of Blue Bell Elementary, introduced the presentation and said the program supports the district’s mission to foster “lifelong learners equipped with critical thinking skills.” Enrichment teacher Cara Windler led the demonstration with a class of first graders, who introduced PECS characters and guided board members and guests through a short “detective” listening-and‑drawing activity designed to practice deductive reasoning and perceptual skills.
Windler described the program as “a systematic exploration program” that runs across the district’s elementary schools and teaches analysis, synthesis and evaluation through classroom characters and tiered instruction. Students took part in a short mystery activity while attendees used badges and materials prepared by the class. At the close, Windler and the students asked whether the audience had learned about PECS and enjoyed the detective exercise; board members responded positively and thanked the students.
The presentation was largely demonstrative and informational; no board action was taken. The district said the program includes differentiated instruction and runs throughout the school year across elementary grades.
Board members later posed routine thanks and recognition: the board took a group photo with the students and acknowledged cards and gifts given for Board Appreciation Month.
