For the Gazette
CEDARVILLE — Cedarville University’s School of Education and Cedarville Elementary School are partnering to create enrichment experiences for students in grades K-5.
Pre-service teachers, along with other Cedarville University faculty and staff, are providing hands-on enrichment sessions in the areas of science, math, language arts, theater and fine arts. Pre-service teachers are education majors involved in a school-based field experience under the supervision of a cooperating teacher.
The Saturday enrichment sessions began Nov. 7, and will take place once a month through March at Cedar Cliff, which is located directly across the street from Cedarville University.
“This partnership excites me because it develops a well-rounded academic experience at a young age,” said Cedarville University education professor and program coordinator Ruth Sylvester. “Rather than a typical classroom setting, the program allows the child to study past the basic school subjects and pursue further intelligences, such as music, arts and engineering, in creative and fun ways.”
For November’s session, children in grades K-2 built catapults to learn about the physics behind simple machines. Students in grades 3-5 created harmless explosions using household chemicals to visually study the science behind blasts and bursts.
“It was wonderful to see our students engaged in active, hands-on and project-based learning activities,” Cedar Cliff Local Schools Superintendent Chad Mason said after watching the first session. “Our students benefit a great deal from partnerships like this. It provides Cedar Cliff students the unique opportunity to participate in a program usually only offered in larger districts.”
Future session activities will vary by week but are expected to include topics such as magnetic slimes, recycled contraptions, Lego robotics and a mini theater camp.
Nearly 30 university students and 10 faculty and staff members are involved with each Saturday session.
“I am delighted with our students’ ability to have the skill and experience needed to host, teach and provide a hands-on learning environment for the children,” Sylvester said.
The upcoming Dec. 5 session will feature a draw-along session where students will draw with an artist. They’ll also learn about birds, such as the barred owl and wild turkey, from a guest biologist.
