ELEMENTARY/MIDDLE SCHOOL SUMMER PROGRAM

 

The summer program integrates academics, enrichment, and skill development for through hands-on experiences that make learning relevant and engaging. The conventional 5.5-hour, 180-day school year is not enough for the students who attend Greenburgh Eleven Special Act schools. In July and August, many of our students forget some of what they learned over the previous school year. The district’s expectation isthat all students participate in the Summer Expanded Learning Time.
 

1. Students study organisms and their environment as well as the interdependence of organisms and their surroundings through visit to local zoo.

Students participate in a Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) program designed to give them opportunity to explore space exploration when they visit a science museum.

The range of activities include strategies for capturing student interest and strengthening student engagement.
 

1. In class –Teacher introduces specific topic or concept relative to Science

2. Students participate in experiential educations through field trips

3. Students write reports to demonstrate their understanding and application of concept

The program is designed to address academic, social, and emotional needs and to explore enrichment opportunities.

Program Criteria – The following criteria is used in planning the program:

Make learning fun.

The summer learning programs supplement academic instruction with enrichment activities that are relevant and engaging to children and youth. Some examples include a debate on current events, use of technology, field trips, hip-hop dance, rap and spoken word, improvisational comedy, art, drama, and storytelling. They also include time for sports and recreational activities to offer students a chance to participate in the physical activities they enjoy.

Learning in a real-world context.

Consistent with an accelerated learning approach, academic concepts are best learned when applied in a real-world context, for example, by teaching students about the difference between deciduous and coniferous trees by taking them on a hike through the forest.

Integrate hands-on activities.

Lectures may increase knowledge but are not very effective at changing behavior. Interactive forms of instruction such as immersion and experiential learning help to keep students engaged in the material. Engaging children in games, group projects, field trips to historic sites, nature expeditions, and science experiments are all ways in which to make learning more interesting and applied.

Content should complement curricular standards.

Successful educational programs integrate learning activities that complement what children are learning during the school year. Therefore, academic content is aligned with statewide, grade-level curricular standards for English Language Arts and Mathematics.

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