This article focused on a public school that has monthly STEM programs for every grade level. Each grade is designated a day (ex: 1st Thursday of each month is 4th Grade's Day). The program takes place after school. Students are completing projects using a variety of "tools" such as plastic spoons, rubber bands, cardboard, popsical sticks, etc. Students are broken up into group and are given a goal or objective to work on. This month students were building a catapult to try and shoot plastic golf balls into a net. The theme was March Madness.
The ESL teacher attends the programs in order to assist her L2 students. I think this is fantastic that the teacher is spending additional time outside of the school day to help her students succeed.
Many of the articles I have read during this course have emphasized how beneficial group work can be for ESL students. Anxiety lessens, and the L2s can learn from their peers. They are also able to practice their speech and have peers correct them in a low stress environment. There are also learning important group work habits and skills. This program is no exception to any of this. I love that the school is promoting collaboration.
My district is planning on starting a variety of after school programs next year. I think a STEM centered one would be a great addition.
I like how this month their theme was March Madness. What a cool way to incorporate a little bit of American culture as well as the STEM skills while ESL students are practicing their English in a fun environment.
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