Fourth Annual Dream-Catchers Camp at HSU Blends Learning, Fun

HSU's School of Education partners with Abilene Independent School District for camp aimed at Ortiz Elementary students

June 17, 2016 Meredith Foster (Student Writer)

 (Abilene, Texas) Young dreamers are the focus of the fourth annual Dream-Catchers camp hosted by Hardin-Simmons University. HSU students, faculty, and staff as well as AISD faculty, staff and other community members work with kindergarten through fourth grade students from Ortiz Elementary to enrich their knowledge about science literacy. 

HSU students in Reading Practicum class, READ 4394, are involved in a pre-student teaching experience where they design interactive lesson plans and activities for their assigned classes and then teach the class. Teachers from Ortiz Elementary assist in the learning process along with classroom aides from HSU. Once a week, students from the HSU Wellness for Life class, FSSC 1170, design outdoor activities for students. 

“I can’t think of a better way for future and current education majors to practice the behind-the-scenes of teaching,” said Bethany Hair,  a junior education major from San Antonio “It gives us an amazing experience to work with wonderful students from AISD.”

During the first week, campers learned about natural resources, life cycles, weather, rocks and soil. The students have practiced their knowledge by creating artwork, going on nature walks around campus, and other creative learning activities.

“Working at Dream Catchers has been a wonderful experience for me,” said Jacie Burnett, incoming freshman education major from Seymour, Texas.  “I have learned many things about teaching that I can use in my future job. The kids are learning new things and having fun doing it, and I am getting to spend time with them and watching their exciting faces while they learning something new. I am coming away from this experience more blessed than I was when I started.”

This camp has not only served as a learning opportunity for the elementary students and current HSU students, but for incoming freshman education majors.  

“The camp is a great way to get involved with my future university, and it’s a blessing to give back to the community,” said Lydia Byrd, incoming freshman education major from Carrolton, Texas.  “I love how the scholars are learning and having fun at the same time. I know this is just the beginning of a great four years.”

The Dream-Catchers program is funded in part by a grant from the Community Foundation of Abilene Discretionary Grant. Other donors include local businesses and alumni in the Big Country area.

The two-week camp has been recognized by the Center for Research, Evaluation & Advancement of Teacher Education (CREATE) as an Exemplary K-12 Partnership. For more information on the Dream Catchers Camp or the Irvin School of Education visit:   https://www.hsutx.edu/academics/irvin/.

 

 

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