YouthQuest Highlights: May 2017

STUDYING SELF-DISCIPLINE

Before kicking off their karate lessons, students at Dye Elementary first learned about the importance of self-discipline, or the control over their own body and mind. They participated in multiple exercises that focused on meditation and understanding the karate did not, and was not, to promote violence. As the students transitioned into learning multiple moves – including a Mae Geri (front kick) and Yoko Geri (side kick) – teamwork and physical fitness were a point of interest.

LEGO LESSONS

Field trips are key in engaging students across YouthQuest sites. As part of one of last month’s excursions, students increased their coordination and learned about building – all while playing with some of their favorite toys. During a trip to LEGOLAND Discovery Center in Auburn Hills, students from Doyle Ryder Elementary experienced a 4-D movie with wind, smoke and water effects; built their own race car; and created LEGO buildings on a shaking table. They also saw life-size LEGO people and the downtown Detroit cityscape recreated using over 1.5 million bricks.

ENDING ON A HIGH NOTE

With the end of the school year fast approaching, YouthQuest sites celebrated with a number of family activities. At Neithercut Elementary, for instance, students, staff and family members danced to live music and either decorated cookies or designed bookmarks at the craft table. Kona Ice provided snow cones while students tried their luck in the indoor laser tag center and inflatable obstacle course. The two-night event was planned and organization in partnership with Community Ed.

MATH BEE BUZZ

Considering that mathematics play a critical role in a student’s success, YouthQuest is always looking for new ways to reinforce math skills. At Eisenhower Elementary, for instance, the program challenged students to practice grade-appropriate skills, ranging from basic counting to multiplication tables, over a period of several weeks. The challenge culminated with a math bee, during which students had just five seconds to answer each math question. After answering three questions correctly, each student moved to the winner’s circle, where they celebrated their victory with a pizza party.

YouthQuest is made possible through the generous support of the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation and 21^st Century Community Learning Centers.