Bubbles, Karaoke and Tie-Dye at the Children’s Education Center Block Party
Students at the BCCS Children’s Education Center exercised their curiosity at the Aug. 8 block party on the Brookville campus.
From colorful crafts to music and games, the day’s activities were organized by Tonia Iadevaia and Sari Pelletier, Music Therapists; Stephanie Eick and Lisa Filippone, Art Teachers; Richard Martin, Music Instructor; and Nicholas Tremaroli and Erin Barrett, Physical Education Teachers.
“All summer long, our talented and innovative staff organized activities where students could socialize and play, all the while practicing skills they learn in the classroom and therapeutic sessions,” said Denise Guaghan, Director of the Children’s Education Center. “As staff members, we know that opportunities like these to get outside, interact with students outside of their class, and, most importantly, let loose and have fun, are essential to the success of every student.”
It was a busy day of active learning outside as classes of preschoolers and school-age students participated in the event together, moving from table to table.
A water station provided students with the opportunity to “fish” for words in the alphabet and spell a phrase. That activity required focus and patience, and in the process, students practiced the skills they were learning all year long.
Singing and cheering from the karaoke station was heard throughout the event as students performed their favorite songs as attendees sang along and danced to the music.
At the bubble station, wands produced bubbles larger than the the students’ heads, which students enjoyed blowing then chasing. Over at the cereal necklace station, students made colorful necklaces that they could snack on and also wear. Students also lined up to make flower crowns from bright construction paper, with a mirror on hand to admire their work.
Nearby, small sandboxes were set up at a picnic table, creating a sensory-friendly journey of building sandcastles. The activity was arranged so sand poured through funnels and strainers.
On the lawn, students designed their own tie-dye creations, dipping the shirts into buckets of dye and seeing the results of their creativity when they untied the shirts to dry.
There were also plenty of snacks, including fruit snacks, Nerds candy, peanut butter, and jelly sandwiches. At one station, students were invited to make sweet creations, spreading frosting on Nilla Wafers cookies.
Overall, it was a day for students and staff to relax and enjoy time outdoors, soaking up the last days of summer.