The EcoTarium had its fill of 5-year-olds on Aug. 25 as a good amount of Worcester's estimated 2,000 kindergarten students and their families prepared for the first day of school at the museum.
WORCESTER — The EcoTarium had its fill of 5-year-olds on Aug. 25 as a good amount of Worcester’s estimated 2,000 kindergarten students and their families prepared for the first day of school at the museum.
Known as “Countdown to Kindergarten,” the event is in its second year, according to the EcoTarium’s Manager of Marketing and Communications, Charlene Leith-Bushey.
Students are introduced to numerous school-day concepts, she noted. There are mock-classrooms, storytimes, a school bus, therapy dogs, healthy snacks, and even quiet time for those students who get overwhelmed.
“Every aspect of their school day is modeled,” Leith-Bushey said. “They even learn how to carry their lunch tray.”
In addition, the students had health screenings, including vision and eyesight tests, performed by upperclassmen of the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Services. Nutritional and dental information was also shared.
“It’s not just about school, it’s about families,” Leith-Bushey said. “We show them how they can get a lot of the services they may not know about.
Much like the real thing, the EcoTarium’s simulated school day came with plenty of time for educational play.
“Once they have done all the school things, they are free to explore the EcoTarium,” she said.
The event, modeled on a similar program in Boston, started last year as part of a grant from MetLife called the Promising Practice Award. EcoTarium President Joseph Cox said it is beneficial for all involved. Not only do families
“One of the things we heard last year from the families who were involved is that this was their first time coming to the EcoTarium,” Cox said. “We work so closely with the Worcester Public School System that this is a great way for parents to see the EcoTarium as part of their education experience.
“So much of what they get in school can be augmented by the EcoTarium,” he said, adding as commentary to the thousands of green-shirted children wandering the museum: “Plus, it’s adorable.”
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Melinda Boone called the event a “great readiness opportunity” for students and parents.
“For many families, if this is the first child going to kindergarten, it’s been years since they have been in a school,” Boone said. “This is a good example of what goes one and it shows the child how much fun learning can be.
“There are also a lot of students who are nervous and anxious, Boone said. “This gets them ready. It teaches them what going to big school is all about.”
Source: MassLive Worcester http://masslive.com/news/worcester
