Kindergartners at Mill Creek Elementary School proudly show their reports that answer “What do you want to do when you grow up?” (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – Melissa Miller’s kindergartners explored one of childhood’s most common questions.

Miller’s class at Mill Creek Elementary School answered, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” They then researched the careers, wrote and illustrated reports and wore appropriate clothing for the job.

The most popular careers were artist, soldier and doctor. Other choices were astronaut, veterinarian, police officer, ballerina, rock star, movie star, karate instructor, fire fighter and geologist.

The kindergartners have “book buddies,” who are fourth-graders that help them with reading. Book buddies guided the younger students with books about careers “to pull key details out,” Miller said.

To record their findings, the youngsters used graphic organizers. The organizers had four squares to answer “What do they do?,” “What do they wear?,” “What tools do they use?” and “Why do want that profession?,” Miller said.

Kindergartner Braden Baker wants to be a “soldier because they protect.” Kara Fields chose to be an artist because she likes to paint.

Baylie Behr hopes to be a veterinarian. “I like taking care of animals. Yes, (the job) will be very hard,” Baylie said.

One kindergartner likes rocks so the obvious career choice was geologist. “Geologists use pick axes and scales. They wear hard hats to protect from falling rocks and harnesses to keep from falling,” the student said.

“I want to be a ballerina, because it is my talent. Ballerinas wear tutus, toe shoes and leotards. They use stages, strength and audiences,” another student wrote.

“My movie star wore a beautiful dress and sunglasses,” Miller said. “My astronauts had amazing costumes with air tanks and flight suits.”

On April 4, Miller’s kindergarten class dressed as some in their chosen career and shared their reports with classmates. Parents visited Mill Creek and spoke to the kindergartners. “They did a wonderful job connecting their work to the things we do in school,” Miller said.

“Kindergartners want purpose and real-life connection in their school work. This project helped bring their present tasks and future dreams together,” Miller said.