NSUBA hosts Kindergarten Goes to College

(Broken Arrow, Okla.)-- Northeastern State Universitys Early Childhood Teacher Education Program hosted the Kindergarten Goes to College event on April 13 where over 100 kindergarteners and their parents, teachers and principal all came together to sample college life on NSUs Broken Arrow campus. Faculties from Elementary Education, Reading, and Library Media helped to make this event come together.

In the reading clinic, the children met Lori Ensign-Scroggins, animal handler from Safari Sanctuary, who brought snakes, a bearded lizard, and a small crocodile that slithered and crawled across tables to meet the children.

Almost everyone wanted to meet the reptiles and the children had many questions about what the animals ate and where they lived. Ensign-Scroggins answered their questions and encouraged the learning experience.

During songs and snacks, children had an opportunity to sing their favorite songs along with Dr. Linda Wilson, professor of elementary education, who played the piano.

This was the first time some of the children had heard someone play a piano. It was a wonderful experience, Dr. Anita Ede, associate professor of early childhood education, said.

In the computer lab, they had an opportunity to play games, draw, read, and investigate developmentally appropriate childrens websites.

Teacher candidates from the Creative Expressions for Early Childhood class developed a variety of hands-on learning centers and the children explored a campsite complete with tent and campfire. Later they fished in a pond and finished with a picnic in the woods. Some children created marble-rolled paintings, constructed their own musical instruments and planted seeds.

Kindergarten Goes to College was a wonderful experience for all the children who had a variety of fun learning experiences; the teacher candidates who implemented the learning centers; and the faculty who were able to experience the joy and enthusiasm that kindergarten students bring to the classroom, Ede said.

For more information, please contact Ede atedear@nsuok.edu.