It’s known as Kindercamp, a summer program that’s underway through the Folsom-Cordova Unified School District that offers a hands on approach to early education.
Young explorers of Kindercamp at Cordova Lane Center learned through hands-on experiments and gardening adventures last week. Through careful watering and observation, these budding young scientists discovered the wonders of growth and the interconnectedness of nature as they tended to their vegetable and flower gardens.
“They love to be here, they love to learn and that’s the most important part is making learning fun so that they want to come back to school,” Patricia Adams, Instructional Assistant, Williamson Elementary School said.
Following the outdoor lesson, the young scholars engaged in a captivating STEM activity in the classroom. Guided by the scientific method, they pondered over the transformation of grease under different conditions. With enthusiasm, they hypothesized whether heat or ice would alter the physical properties of the substance. Hands-on experimentation ensued, as each student tested their theories by touching the warm or cold grease.
One student enthusiastically shared her favorite part about the experiment, “The blubber! It was slimy!” said Dani Colianna, starting Kindergarten in the fall.
The lessons are part of the four-week FCUSD Kindercamp program offered at Cordova Lane Center, Cordova Gardens, and White Rock Elementary Schools. The program, crafted specifically for children stepping into Transitional Kindergarten or Kindergarten, integrates language and literacy, mathematics, social-emotional learning, and physical health into its engaging curriculum
“Kindercamp program has been supported by First 5 Sacramento and Folsom Cordova Unified for over 20 years. My passion for this program is reaffirmed when I observe children’s knowledge increase in all domains of development in just 4 weeks. I believe in the power of community and how we all together, starting with the family, the teachers and supporting staff, can accomplish powerful results when we collaborate. Involvement of all increases success,” Lupe Fussell, Special Project Coordinator, Cordova Lane Center said.
Kindercamp also provides children with support to learn to recognize their names in print, understand personal space, and adopt healthy habits. The effort has been a pillar of educational enrichment.
“The children walk out with lots of friends, more self-confidence, a sense of accomplishment, good memories, and for sure, feeling more comfortable with school,” Jacqueline Wyse, Coordinator of Early Childhood Development, Cordova Lane Center said.
For more information about Kindercamp and other educational opportunities at Folsom Cordova USD, visit fcusd.org.
Content/photos: FCUSD Facebook
