Christy Villalobos’ ENL students at Deer Park’s Robert Frost Middle School recently participated in a meaningful cross-classroom collaboration that celebrated language, creativity and community. Students authored a wordless book titled “The Snowman,” which allowed them to tell a story using illustrations and sequencing skills. After completing their books in Villalobos’ class, the students visited Rachel Burkel’s life skills classroom to share their stories by reading and discussing them with the other students.

To continue the experience, the ENL class led a hands-on craft activity in which the life skills students created their own “melted snowman.” Students worked together, practiced social language and supported one another throughout the activity.

This collaborative lesson provided an engaging, low-stress opportunity for both groups of students to practice English in an authentic social setting while building connections across classrooms. The activity ended with cupcakes and cookies to celebrate everyone’s hard work and enthusiasm. Smiles, learning and teamwork were on full display.

“It is so important for students to have opportunities to practice English in a nonthreatening, supportive environment,” Villalobos said. “Experiences like this allow students to build confidence while learning from one another. Collaboration between teachers also strengthens learning – we are better when we work together for our students.”

Click here to view the Robert Frost Students Share Stories and Smiles in Cross-Classroom Collaboration slideshow.

Date Added: 2/13/2026