Special Guests to Assist in Arkansas Children’s Week
JONESBORO – A number of state legislators and community leaders will visit Arkansas State University next week to assist in activities pertaining to the Arkansas Children’s Week celebration. The event highlighting “Deeper Learning” is hosted by A-State’s Child Development and Research Center and begins Monday, April 16, through Friday, April 20.
“As part of our deeper learning journey, Arkansas Children’s Week 2018 at the Center will explore STEM/STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics) skills and the role of creative thinking in innovation,” said Tonya Hottel, family service manager. “We’ll also take a special look at the adult’s important role in empowering learners and partnering in discovery.”
Monday will be a busy day, as Arkansas State Sen. John Cooper will perform a science activity with students from the center. Rep. Brandt Smith will bring his own STEM activity to explore with the preschoolers and Rep. Jack Ladyman will assist the students in using an inclined plane activity. Jonesboro Mayor Harold Perrin and city communications director Bill Campbell will also be on hand to help pass on the wonder of nature by planting seeds with a class.
Tuesday brings Rep. Dwight Tosh to demonstrate a science and math activity and local engineer Ted Hardin will go from room to room sharing his knowledge of tools with the students. Rep. Dan Sullivan and his wife, Maria, will also be joining in the festivities by presenting a video and interaction with the University of Toronto.
A-State Chancellor Kelly Damphousse will drop by to engage with the students through art by painting. The university’s Department of Art and Design will assist with an art and technology activity.
Police Chief Rick Elliott, joined by Rep. Jimmy Gazaway, will visit Thursday to share a fingerprint investigation. Cody Bennett, a civil engineer with the Arkansas Highway Department, will attend and share some of his knowledge with the students.
On Friday, personnel from the horticulture program will plant seedlings and discuss parts of plants and students will communicate the information learned from STEM activities throughout the week.
In 2016, the online site, BestColleges.com ranked Arkansas State ninth nationally in “Best Colleges for Parents with Children.” Childhood Services opened the Child Development and Research Center on campus in 2007, and it provides childcare and early education for infants, toddlers and preschoolers. A second center opened in 2015.
