OKMULGEE, Okla. – On Friday, Jan 26 the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Okmulgee Head Start Program held a volcano science demonstration with the helping hand of some special volunteers: dads. A number of the learning center’s dads built the model volcanoes and came in to demonstrate their handiwork.
Current early years education recommends firsthand, hands-on learning projects to get little ones excited about education and the world around them. Nothing says hands-on learning better than a homemade volcano and pantry-staple chemical eruptions.
The volcanos were built at home by dads and their students. Teachers and staff covered the science behind volcanoes during the school week. MCN Family Service Worker Marcus Jeffrey explained, “The teachers talked about volcanoes all week. And today, they get to see it in action.”
The activity was the first of its kind for the program, but there are hopes to continue the effort. Jeffery came up with the project as a way to get dads involved, explaining, “I want the community to see dads helping children learn.”
Encouragement and Support
The MCN Okmulgee Head Start Program has 57 children currently enrolled from ages three to five years old. The center works to keep families engaged in the program with monthly parent meetings and different training sessions. Ranging from information on abuse, domestic violence, and family services the program aims to not only educate families but also give them encouragement. Jeffery stated, “We try to encourage, in other words, information is important.”
The center is also preparing for upcoming “Dad and Me” and “Mom and Me” days this spring. During the “Dad and Me” event, Jeffrey related that the dads will come out to cook for and eat with the kids. Stating the importance of engagement, Jeffrey said, “It’s awesome to have our dads participate, especially when they have children in the program. And that’s the whole thing: our dads teach, our dads comfort, our dads love.”
