Akron, Ohio — Getting kids ready for the upcoming school year looks and feels a little different for kids and teachers in Akron Public Schools.
That’s especially true for rising fifth-graders at the I Promise School in Akron as they work to get back on track.
Instead of drilling down on core subjects this summer, summer school or summer camp as it’s known as is more focused on helping kids to have fun while learning STEM-based concepts.
Fifth-grade teacher Stephanie Arnett said teachers know one of the biggest challenges ahead is helping kids get caught up on their reading skills this year.
However, getting “our kids thinking, to get them problem-solving, to get them excited to be back in the classroom,” is what they’ve been tackling first. That’s also included “Re-connecting in the classroom. Definitely just sparking that I want to learn again. So I think it’s a nice break from our typical summer camp,” she said.
Arnett’ said teachers need to recognize gaps in student learning from fourth to fifth grade.
She said she’ll have help this year.
“We’re doing a co-teach model so I have an intervention specialist stay with me all day long. We can pull groups. We can provide modifications and accommodations, right on spot all day, every day,” she said.
Taking breaks periodically, Arnett said, she’s already seeing kids grow and learn academically. Now, she’s just hoping that they’ll take the creativity and what they’ve learned and become great “problem-solvers and great thinkers, and that they’ll spark that in their classroom.”
The new school year for kids at the I Promise School begin the first week of August.
