woman and elementary age boy dressed as a beluga whale in a classroom

The cafeteria at Bell Elementary School was filled with sounds of the wild as first graders hosted a "Living Zoo." From lions and tigers to snakes and kangaroos, families were invited to explore the wild world of exhibits created by these adventurous explorers. First-grade teachers Gracie Aguillar and Maricruz Diaz had tasked their students with studying one type of animal and then hosting the immersive experience where students dressed up as the animals they had researched. 

elementary age girl dressed as a flamingoelementary age girl dressed up as a squirrel

Excitement rippled through the room as parents and siblings entered, greeted by a jungle of vibrant costumes and enthusiastic young voices. Each student had become an expert on their chosen animal, ready to share fascinating facts with the spectators who had come to see them in their environment. 

elementary age boy with a safari hat on and a giant stuffed snakeelementary age girl and woman standing next to each other

"Tigers are mammals so they are warm blooded,” said first grader Maleah. She even let out a loud roar! 

elementary age girl hugging her momelementary age girl wearing a zebra costume

Interesting facts were given about eels, adders, squirrels, kangaroos, and beluga whales, as some of the first graders demonstrated how they jump or fly. 

elementary age child dressed as a leopardelementary age child dressed as a leopard

As families filtered through, laughter and learning filled the air. The "Living Zoo" wasn't just a showcase of animals; it was an example of the curiosity and creativity of Bell Elementary's younger students. 

man holding his son on his lapyoung girl with lion ears headbandyoung girl pointing at a sign that says "Tigers"