Exploring Newport Beach’s History Together

By Jaime Zwerling, First Grade Teacher

Every week, Mrs. Z.’s first-grade class and Mr. Peters’ fourth graders come together for a unique and enriching activity we call “Buddies.” These weekly sessions foster meaningful connections between some of our youngest learners and their older peers, and for the past few months, they’ve been working on a special collaborative social studies project that explores the rich history of our local community in Newport Beach.

Through this project, students worked in small groups to closely examine and discuss historical photos of iconic Newport Beach landmarks. Among the photos were images of the Balboa Pavilion and locations on Balboa Island—places that still stand today, connecting us to the past. Together, the students observed these images, noticing details that revealed what life might have been like in Newport Beach many years ago.

Each photo prompted questions to spark curiosity and critical thinking:

• What do you see in this source?
• Who do you think created it and why?
• What does it tell us about Newport Beach?

The groups discovered fascinating differences between the past and present, such as changes in transportation, clothing styles, and building designs. They discussed the reasons behind these changes, from the growth of technology to the need for modern conveniences. For example, they marveled at the simplicity of boats in the early 1900s compared to the sleek vessels in the harbor today. They considered why certain landmarks, like the Balboa Pavilion, have been preserved.

The project sparked a deeper appreciation for our community. By examining the past, students gained a stronger connection to Newport Beach and an understanding of how history shapes the present. The excitement students felt when they recognized a landmark, street, or area was contagious. Working together, our first and fourth graders are learning that history is more than stories in books—it’s all around us, waiting to be discovered.