PolySummer Students Don't Want the Fun to End

More than 650 students participated in PolySummer! Students could take courses including coding, learning and playing chess, storytelling through Disney and Pixar films, and much more. Read on for highlights from some of our teachers.

Maya Silai: Yoga as a Gateway to Creativity and Intuition 
For me, the highlight of teaching for PolySummer this year was the chance to share the powerful tools of yoga with several groups of children consistently over four weeks. It had been a couple of years since I'd had the opportunity to teach children and many more years since I'd had time to work with the same group of kids over time. We were able to build a rapport, have fun, and learn valuable skills even though there was very little talking. I really enjoyed sharing my passion for yoga and all the wonderful things it can do for our bodies and minds with several groups of inquisitive and creative young people. 

The most memorable feedback was from one group of third- through fifth-grade children in particular who, when I announced at the penultimate class that next class would be our last together, all reacted with sad faces, and a few even said, "No! I don't want yoga to be over!" That was the best review I could ever have hoped for, and my eyes definitely teared up with emotion to know how much they had enjoyed yoga! Another moment that really stuck with me was with another session of the "Peaceful Warriors" class when they all felt comfortable not only to unmute and share with the group but had powerful things to say about what causes they each wanted to fight for in their lives. It made me feel so good to know that I was able to give them tools to feel confident and speak up for what they believe in, as well as taking care of their bodies and minds with movement and breath. 

Seeing how well the students understood and were able to do what I was teaching them via the online format, taught me even more than I already knew about best practices for online education, but especially teaching yoga to youth in an online format.

Daniela Barrero: Creative Writing
Every year the students’ perspectives on the world around them and their passion for obtaining new knowledge is a highlight. Being able to provide relief to a mind that is starving for new information and shows constant desire to grow is any educator’s dream. I am thankful to continuously be surprised by what individuals can achieve when there is passion fueling the fire.

I would have to say that each class meeting provided memorable feedback. Guiding students through the history and development of how humanity has recorded the human experience provides room for ample broadening of perspective. I am constantly in awe of the ability of students at any age to find hope and beauty in the written language

This last session at PolySummer taught me the value of empowering others to use their voice. Now more than ever, my students continue to inspire hope. A powerful reminder of what the human mind can endure with support from their community.

Nicole Taylor: Book Club - Because of Winn-Dixie
Teaching a book club on Zoom felt very personal, as we were in each others' homes. We connected possibly faster than in a classroom setting.

The kids loved the book we read, Because of Winn-Dixie, and told me that they were going to read other books by the author and recommend the book to friends. They also said that they were sad that the class was ending, and so was I.

I learned that how to present a class that is normally in a classroom online is very possible and enjoyable if you think creatively. I also learned how resilient kids are. Even kids that had never used Seesaw caught on very quickly.

Aquita Winslow: Beginning Quilting!
This summer I taught a quilting class online. I really enjoyed the enthusiasm of my students and how well they took to quilting. My class was on Zoom but I was able to send home all the materials they needed so I could use the class period to look at their individual work as they were sewing and give them individual feedback. The highlight of the class for me was seeing how well they all sewed and how great their quilts turned out. 
 
One of my favorite aspects of PolySummer is students taking my classes because they took a class from me during a previous summer and loved their experience. I had a student this summer who told me she has taken a class from me each summer and she thought quilting was the best class yet!

I think PolySummer gives me the ability to really enjoy teaching arts classes and spend time with younger students who remind me of the wonder and fun of learning. Teaching PolySummer is always fun and rewarding!
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