Hands and Minds On!

Silver Creek Grade 6-8 students are busy learning through a “hands and minds-on” model. A variety of studies during the Explorations rotations address creative applied design and skills development. In a recent experience, students participated in a holiday baking session at the ZEST kitchen in Salmon Arm.

“The beautiful, large, commercial facility is a wonderful example of bringing the community together to support students’ growth and learning beyond the walls of the classroom,” comments Silver Creek Elementary Principal Sydney Griffith. “Students feel welcome, safe, and connected to peers and adults in their schools when they engage in these opportunities. Thank you to all the teachers, Ms. (Esther) Winkelhorst, and our wonderful Food Program Coordinator, Ms. (Lori) Webster, for making this experience so rewarding and fun!”

The students prepared three different types of cookies, and each of them will have the opportunity to take home a mixed plateful to share during the holidays!

During their explorations unit, students had the opportunity to engage in various outdoor educational activities, such as archery, rock climbing, and geocaching. Boxing was also included in the rotation as part of the current cycle of activities.

The new year will reintroduce core learning areas including cooking, woodworking, robotics, and coding. “We certainly look forward to exploring the special rotation of activities that are based on weather and availability of facilities,” Griffith adds. “Thank you to Mr. (Noah) Ralston and Ms. (Tasha) Schneider for all the organization and planning which included many more activities as part of this five or six station learning adventure indoors and out. A special shout out to all the staff that support our students in their learning.”

Ms. Griffith expressed her appreciation to Manager of Zest Tracy Edwards, Salmon Arm Economic Development Executive Director Lana Fitt, and Shuswap Community Futures, for making this experience possible.