Students enrolled in Niagara University’s College of Education received some hands-on training Dec. 1-3 as they played host to children from several area learning centers. For the youngsters, it was an adventure in reading, music and art. For NU students, it was a unique opportunity to give back to the community.
During one-hour morning sessions, the children were able to interact with NU faculty, grad students and undergrads through reading and craft activities. Following lunch on campus, the children returned to the Academic Complex, where they entertained passers-by with some enthusiastic Christmas carols.
Forty-five NU freshmen, 10 juniors and several grad students participated in the event, known on campus as “Standards for Santa Week.” “For our freshmen, they were able to experience many phases of education and learn how to make learning fun,” said Patricia Wrobel, assistant dean for external relations in the College of Education. The event also had an environmental theme, and the visiting students were asked to come up with at least one idea on how they could make the holiday season just a little bit “greener.” Students who participated in the environmental awareness project were eligible to win some great prizes, including a hockey stick signed by Buffalo Sabres alumni.
Participating in the event were children from Niagara Street Elementary School, ABC Day Care, Jamie’s Day Care, Harry F. Abate Elementary School, LaSalle Prep School and Colonial Village Elementary School.
