Lakewood Falls ESY student studies lead to donation drive
Students in Cindy Maki's summer school class at Lakewood Falls Elementary School are having quite an adventure through their studies.
The kindergarten through third grade Extended School Year (ESY) students celebrated Africa and its cultures and creatures the week of June 22, 2009. Their studies also led them to kick off a drive to collect and send school supplies for less fortunate students.
The students have looked at pictures and sorted animals based on which ones live in Africa. They have also seen hand-carved wooden animal figurines and some crafted out of fabric that Maki received from her husband's cousin who works for the U.S. State Department and is stationed at the American Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya.
"The children love to learn about animals and their habitats," Maki said.
Each of the students selected an animal native to Africa and will write a one paragraph report on the animal's habitat, diet and size. The students will then share the interesting details of the animal with their classmates.
Maki also introduced the students to what life is like for children living in Africa in the small villages and outskirts of the major cities.
"I shared with them how my aunt and uncle witnessed children learning their letters and numbers by using a stick to write in the dirt floor of the school," Maki said.
"I also told them how the students in Africa love to play soccer, but since they do not have a soccer ball, they use a wad of rags taped up into the shape of a ball," Maki added.
Based on their discussions of students in Africa, Maki and her students decided to hold a donation drive for paper and writing utensils.
The students are collecting crayons, pencils, markers, pens, paper and monetary donations, to cover the cost of shipping. The drive will run through August.
"The students have really demonstrated enthusiasm and interest toward learning about Africa," Maki said.