Better Beginnings Waterloo
This fall on Mondays after school, the Adventure4Change Hub has been abuzz as elementary students learn together in small groups with university students. Each time the groups meet, there is a reconnection that can be seen in the smiles and greetings that seems to spark the learning.
Each week, Wilfrid Laurier University Students from the Faculty of Education lead “hands-on and minds-on” activities focused on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) as part of the STEMovation project. For example, one week the students experimented with engineering as they constructed marble mazes together. Another time, they met a real cow, and then practiced principles of science as they made milk into butter. Families have observed how the children are taking this learning home with them as a mother recounted how her children explained to her how to make butter. She sees their learning extending beyond reading. As the elementary students are learning, the STEMovation students are learning too. University students have explained that their placement has helped them prepare to teach abroad by giving them an opportunity to interact with children from different cultures.
In addition to learning through STEM, children are also working with tutors, many of whom are CSL (Community Service-Learning) students from Wilfrid Laurier University. The students engage together in reading and writing activities answering questions such as “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Learning games seem to engage all students. For example, challenging each other to card or dice games to practice math skills. University students are given an opportunity to integrate their classroom learning with hands-on learning. One student explained that volunteering provided a practical experience for the ideas that they were learning about in class on how to provide an emotionally safe place to learn. For example, they had seen a child develop a more positive interest in learning as the weeks of the program progressed as the University student continued to practice creating a safe learning environment.
As a seasoned educator, I noticed that one of the unique aspects of this program is the high level of young adult engagement. The opportunity for our community children to interact with local university students has been rewarding for all as we work towards learning together
Author: Jean Morrison- RECE, B.A, B.Ed (Child Engagement Facilitator at Adventure4Change)