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HOW LEARNING HAPPENS AT TALBOT TRAIL SUNDOWNERS!

 Elections and Vegetable Soup Too!

School age children at Talbot Trail came to the staff and asked questions about the federal election that was taking place in October.  They were very curious about what was going on and why adults were talking so much about this election thing and how the election results could bring a new Prime Minister of Canada.  Staff took the opportunity for this teaching moment to discuss and answer the children’s questions and explain how the election process worked.  The children got very excited and decided to have their own election to elect a King or Queen in the school age program.

The children set up a podium using materials they found in the centre.  The children that chose to run a campaign recited their own speeches outlining to their peers why “they” be should elected.  There were extensive question and answer periods and debates that went on over a two-week period.

Official voting ballots were made and a voting station was set up.  Voting took place with every school age child exercising their right to cast a vote.  Votes were tallied and a winner was declared.  Jordan F. was voted in as the new King of the School Age Program.  Jordan was by far the “people’s” choice winning them over with campaign promises of candy, an electronic day, more gym time, a costume day and more trips to the park.  Congratulations to Jordan F. and the school age children who participated in this great experience.

It did not take long for the school age group of children to realize their own power to make change happen.  The staff at Talbot Trail started receiving complaints about the fact that veggies were being served often as the after school time snack and they do not like them.  So the school age children brought their issues forward and were asked by staff to provide ideas and suggestions for alternatives.  This was a challenge because they had to keep in mind that veggies would continue to be served as a healthy and nutritious snack choice.   After much discussion and debate they came up with a “soup” alternative that could incorporate veggies too.  The children were then invited into the kitchen with the staff, Mandana (cook for the day) and began chopping and preparing a veggie soup that was served the next day for snack.  It was a huge hit.

 This is Learning Happen!