Monster Project Comes to Life Through Cross-Grade Collaboration
At the final Junior School Assembly, Junior School art teacher Ms. Kuchmak shared a heartwarming story of a “wonder” project that connected students from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 9. The Monster Project was a year-long, cross-grade collaboration that began with the imaginative minds of our JK students and came to life through the creativity and talent of students in Grades 5, 7, and 9.
The inspiration began with a simple “I wonder” question: “I wonder if we could create art based on the brilliant imaginations of our youngest learners?” The Visual Arts department then set about brainstorming a way to collaborate across divisions and stumbled upon a video where a child’s drawing was transformed into a plush toy and thought, “We can do something like that!” And so, the idea was born.
The journey began with Grade 5 students interviewing their JK buddies about the monsters they envisioned while learning about shapes. Using those conversations as a guide, the Grade 5s sculpted unique ceramic pinch pot monsters—each one a one-of-a-kind reflection of their partner’s imagination.
Next, the interview packages traveled to the Middle School, where Grade 7 students brought the monsters to life again, this time using digital design tools in the Idea Lab. Their creations were 3D printed, adding yet another dimension to the JKs’ original ideas.
Finally, our Grade 9 students put their spin on things, reimagining each monster as a custom Pokémon-style character—complete with names thoughtfully chosen by the JK students themselves.
This was a first-of-its-kind initiative, connecting learners across the Primary, Junior, Middle, and Senior Schools. It was more than just an art project—it was a powerful example of creativity, mentorship, and joyful learning across grades. The youngest learners inspired three older grades to create and connect in ways that made everyone feel proud. On the last day of school, each JK student went home with a framed photo of themselves and their buddy, a 3D printed monster, and a personalized Pokémon card—gifts made just for them.
According to Ms. K, the Monster Project's success was due to the full participation of many faculty: all four JK teachers and all four Visual Arts department faculty members contributed to making The Monster Project so rewarding. This was a team project in every aspect. Thank you to all teachers involved, including Ms. Graves, Ms. Martin, Mrs. Ahamed, Ms. Yong, Mrs. Castellan, Mrs. Barbanchon, Ms. Langston, and Ms. K!
Land Acknowledgment
The Country Day School wishes to recognize and acknowledge the land on which the school operates. Our nearest Indigenous Nations are now the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and the Chippewas of Georgina Island. The Dish with One Spoon Wampum covenant is often cited as an example of the shared responsibility for caring for these lands among the Huron-Wendat, Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples who would call these their traditional territories. CDS respects the relationship with these lands and recognizes that our connection to this land can be strengthened by our continued relationship with all First Nations, by acknowledging our shared responsibility to respect and care for the land and waters for future generations.
School Information
Junior, Middle and Senior Schools
13415 Dufferin Street, King, Ontario L7B 1K5
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
13415 Dufferin Street, King, Ontario L7B 1K5
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
