Aligned Impact Muscatine County (AIM) has worked with West Liberty Elementary School to schedule and help with classroom enrichment programs designed to enhance the learning experience for students. Recognizing the evolving educational landscape and the diverse needs of today’s learners, these programs aim to foster creativity, critical thinking, and a love for lifelong learning through innovative and engaging activities.
The Classroom Enrichment Programs offer a wide array of activities and resources that go beyond traditional curriculum boundaries. Rosa Mendoza from the Diversity Service Center of Iowa visited with the 3rd graders to talk about the history of migration and showed artifacts from different countries. Muscatine County Conservation showed off some animal friends in the 3rd-grade classrooms. Ann Green from ISU Extension visited the Kindergarten classroom with a Force in Motion activity aligned with their science curriculum. She also went into the 3rd-grade classrooms to expose students to STEM by showing them the basics of coding with an activity using Hexbugs. She had papers that outlined the state of Iowa, the student then used flexible straws to make a course on top of the sheet and have the Hexbug complete the mini-course they made. By providing hands-on experiences and real-world applications, students are encouraged to explore new concepts, collaborate with peers, and develop essential skills that will serve them well into the future.
“My class really enjoyed the activities that were presented and they opened up inquiry questions that the kids were eager to find answers to.,” said Kari Zuniga, a teacher at West Liberty Elementary. Teacher Ashley Shimmin says, “Our experience with AIM was very positive! We enjoyed having various enrichment activities available to our students that were provided by local experts. These kinds of activities and learning experiences are not easy for teachers to present on our own, and we are thankful for each presenter who came to our school to enrich the education our students receive. These glimpses into the world of nature, migration, and civics will support their understanding of the world around them. We are glad to be partnered with AIM and look forward to many years of working together in the future.”
In an era where education is continuously adapting to meet the demands of the 21st century, AIM remains committed to supporting educators and students. By bridging the gap between traditional education and innovative learning practices, classroom enrichment programs are set to redefine the educational experience, making it more holistic, engaging, and effective.
