Here is the summary of my presentation from the PTO meeting. I have also placed this in a word document on the RES Enrichment class page.
PTO Enrichment Discussion 11/9/2010
Enrichment Philosophy
The Enrichment Program at Richmond Elementary School (RES) creates meaningful experiences that enhance all students time at school. The Enrichment Program provides activities throughout the year for all students, works with teachers to enhance the regular classroom curriculum, and strives to provide academic challenges for all students. The Enrichment Program relies on the teamwork of classroom teachers, school administration, parents and caregivers, and community members to provide outstanding opportunities for our students.
RES Tenets of Enrichment
Enrichment is defined as “the act of improving something”. This is a broad term that can encompass a wide array of areas. At RES we have tried to define those areas in which we feel enrichment improves our students' experience by enhancing the enjoyment of learning, and preparing our students for continued success as a community learners and individuals. The Enrichment Program will strive to focus on these skills:
ü Creativity and Innovation
ü Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
ü Communication and Collaboration
ü Information Media and Technology Skills
ü Social and Emotional Life Skills
School Wide Enrichment Activities
Word of the Week
ü Introduces interesting vocabulary to all students
ü Provides a topic of discussion across grades, within classrooms, and at home
What the research says:
ü Enriched vocabulary is linked to improved reading comprehension and more interesting and advanced writing
What can parents do to expand on the word of the week and vocabulary?
ü Make an effort to use new vocabulary
ü Have a word of the day/week at your house
ü Talk about the word of the week, look for it in books you are reading, the context of your daily lives, and expand the idea through discussing synonyms and antonyms
ü Repeat what students say, using a more advanced vocabulary
Enrichment Challenge
ü Provides an opportunity for learning to be expanded into areas of student interest at home
ü Extends learning beyond the classroom in multiple areas of talent
What the research says:
ü Student talent is diverse and interest and engagement lead to learning!
What can parents do at home?
ü Work on your enrichment challenge booklet! Pick an activity each week, or encourage students to look at the book when they are “bored”.
ü Encourage students to try activities that are their strengths, and areas that they may not have developed skills in yet.
Flynn Theater Trips
ü Provides access for all students to the performing fine arts and encourages the appreciation of arts in our school community
ü Provides connections to classroom curriculum
What can parents do at home?
ü Discuss the Flynn theater trip with students
ü Find other performing art opportunities within our community and share them with your child
After School Program
ü Provides out of school opportunities for students AND teachers to explore topics that interest them
ü Provides students with an opportunity to connect with volunteers and community members who are willing to share their time and talent
What can parents do to support this program?
ü Consider volunteering to teach a program
ü Discuss what students are doing and learning during their time at afterschool enrichment
ü Thank community member teachers for sharing their gifts with our school when you pick students up, or see them around town
ü Fill out the after school enrichment survey, coming soon, to provide feedback on your ideas about this program
Science Fair
ü Encourages independent and family exploration of science topics
What can parents do to support this program?
ü Work on a science fair project with your child!
Other Ideas I am considering:
Enrichment Take Home Bags
Enrichment Monthly Contests
Enrichment At School
This is a daily, cooperative venture between the enrichment teacher and classroom teachers and staff. Therefore, by grade level and class the daily activities of enrichment are varied!
My goals for the year include:
ü Becoming an engaged member of each of the classrooms
ü Supporting teachers and students in enriching learning in the classroom environment
ü Clear communication of my work with students
ü Providing exciting learning experiences for students in areas that interest them
ü Looking at ways to create a long term approach to enrichment that meets the philosophy and tenets that we have established
I welcome any and all feedback on enrichment.
