Lots of little eyes lit up recently as Ocean Lakes Elementary prekindergarten students realized some special visitors were in the classroom.
Some were speechless, while others yelled, “Mommy!” “Daddy!”
One youngster asked, “Why are you here?”
Families were invited to observe, engage and learn alongside their children during the “Classroom in Action” event, hosted by the VBCPS Title 1/Pre-K program office.
Laura Silverman is director of Title 1 Programs.
“Through Classroom in Action, our staff members deepen their connection with families while helping reinforce learning at home,” she said.
Family engagement specialists Brittany Peeples and Tonya Evans orchestrated the special events in October and November at each of the 36 beach public schools with pre-K programs.
Peeples spoke to the Ocean Lakes Elementary family members before they joined their children in the classroom.
She said parents will see their children being more independent, understanding rules and routings, using new social skills and sharing with others.
Parents were reminded, “You are your child’s first teacher.”
“We want you to get into their world and engage,” Peeples said. “You can see what they are learning and replicate at home.”
Parents headed to one of the two pre-K classes and quickly became immersed in fun learning activities with their child at a variety of stations throughout the classrooms.
Cora Wright was busy making a pie out of dry oatmeal at the “pie-making” station. Her mother Courtney said Cora enjoys school.
“She is making great progress.”
Wright said her daughter’s speech and social skills have improved thanks to interactions with peers.
Nick and Aaliyah Mizal’s daughter Alaina served up some pizza in the “pretend play” area.
“Seeing her personality in the classroom is super cool,” Aaliyah Mizal said. Both parents agreed Alaina’s speech has improved since school began.
“She has become better at explaining things and describing her feelings,” her dad added.
Olena Wells put on plastic gloves and headed to the classroom’s STEM center, where science, technology, engineering and math activities rotate regularly.
The 5-year-old pretended to clean a beaver skull, one of several skeletons on display.
Each family received the book “We Don’t Eat Our Classmates,” by Ryan T. Higgins. Joseph Hart read it to his 4-year-old son, Luke Hartshorn, in the library area.
The story is about Penelope Rex, a dinosaur who first wants to eat her classmates, but instead learns how to be their friend.
“I liked it,” Luke said with a smile.
His mother Jessica Rose said Luke has grown socially and emotionally in the pre-K program. He has learned to share and how to resolve conflict appropriately, she said.
“And he will now sit and listen to a story,” she added.
Ocean Lakes Elementary pre-K classes are taught by Angie Hoggan and Nina Fourvour, plus assistants Gella McConomy and Destini Cheek, respectively. Special education teacher Helen Quartarone rotates between the two classrooms.
Hoggan said the classroom stations vary daily.
“It’s all about choice,” she said.
Forvour agreed.
“Each station has learning objectives,” she said.
There is limited space at each station and sometimes students must wait or choose another one.
“Delayed gratification is a big thing,” Forvour said. “They are not used to waiting and sharing.”
Students learn to say, “I’m next,” she noted.
They learn patience, communication skills and more.
Ocean Lakes Elementary principal Lori Gross applauded the pre-K curriculum and the “amazing educators.”
Gross said children in the program have improved their communication, collaboration and problem-solving skills. They’ve also become more independent and self-confident, she said.
“I am a believer in early intervention,” Gross said. “I have seen the results.”
Resources:
- For more information about the VBCPS pre-K program, eligibility requirements and the application process, visit vbschools.com.
- The Office of Family & Community Engagement (FACE) encourages families to spend more time together through conversation and activities as a way to strengthen relationships.
- November is Family Engagement Month, but you can engage all year round. Check out our ideas for elementary families and secondary school families.
