On June 3, 2009 Head Start sponsored a "Science Extravaganza/Health Day" to culminate the year long "Learning Through Science" and "Model Health" programs.
I was lucky enough to be able to chaperone this event!
This was my row on the bus for the trip there. To help entertain them for the 30-45 minute drive we sang The Wheels on the Bus, Mother Duck, Monkeys Swinging a Tree, and many other fun Nursery Rhymes.
There was a little confusion at first in regard to where we were suppose to be, but everything worked out and the activity was more organized than I had expected.
One of the biggest concerns prior to the activity was all the children receiving and wearing the same shirt. So each county ordered wrist bands with different colors, just in case a child got lost, they could be returned to the appropriate county. Luckily, we didn't have any problems, and all the children did a great job staying with their chaperons.
The Learning Through Science progarm was implemented this school year to strengthen the children's aptitude in science. The goal was to stimulate their natural curiosity and develop "scientific thinking" abilities in preparation for their transition to kindergarten.
In this model, brought to us by Priority Partners, promoting good health and hygiene, the guest speaker shared her germs. She took a squirt bottle and sprayed some "germs" on her hands, then shook a childs hand, who then shook their friends hands.
Everyone had the opportunity to pass the germs around.
Once Nikholi realized how quickly we can catch germs he said, "That's gross!"
Then Barbara Hairston, Education/Disabilities coordinator for Head Start took us on a Nature Walk. We walked down a very rough, secluded path, down to the beach.
Here is a picture of Nikholi and Talaysia on the beach.
Throughout the program year Head Start children at every center, their families and the teaching teams have been engaged in the "Learning Through Science" program. Students become familiar with the steps of the scientific method by observing, gathering information and conducting simple experiments to learn that science is all around every day.
After the nature walk we went and saw a MaD sCiEnTiSt!
He showed us how Tongs scream when they are placed upon dry ice because of the drastic change in temperature; going from room tempurature to a -78.5 degrees.
Can you hear it? The tongs are saying, "Help me, I'm freezing!"
Nikholi was worn out, but yet he was still intrigued.
The Model Health program introduced a variety of healthier foods from multi-cultural backgrounds to help avoid obesity. The program also used role modeling for Head Start children and families to inforporate physical activities into their daily lives for life long benefits.
This is a picture of Mrs. Willie and Ryan.
Teaching teams received hands-on quarterly training to empower them to provide quality lessons at the pre-school level. Parents received training through parent meetings and newsletters. Science and health activities were provided by "Learning Through Science" Homework Helper" designed to encourage parent-child interatcion at home and to reinforce what the students have experienced at school.
We really had a blast and I'm looking forward to my parent participation in the Head Start program next year.
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