By Alaska Pacific University
Published: Oct. 23, 2023
On Saturday, Oct. 7, the Education program’s Early Literacy class hosted a Lil’ Scholars Workshop to practice assessment and place-based, early childhood literacy strategies. Participants were 5-8 years old and practiced Dibels assessments tied to the new Alaska Reads Act, phonemic awareness activities, rhyming, phonics games, and vocabulary building utilizing outdoor exploration, shared reading, and developmentally appropriate play.
APU education students in both the Community and Place-Based Education program and the Teacher Education K-8 graduate certificate program were able to bridge theory to practice and gain direct experience with instructional and assessment techniques.
“We know our work is a success when there is validation from the Lil’ Scholars to return for more fun the next day,” said course instructor and co-director of APU’s education program Dr. Katie Archer Olson. “Experiential learning is at the core of our program providing education students authentic opportunities to build confidence in literacy skills outside of theory preparing them to lead in Alaskan classrooms”
The next Lil’ Scholars workshop will concentrate on hosting a writer’s workshop for intermediate learners, grades 4th-6th. It will be held on Saturday, Nov, 11, 2023, at Alaska Pacific University; space is limited to 12 participants.
For more information, contact Dr. Katie Archer Olson at karcherolson@alaskapacific.edu, or complete the online form.