New Frontiers in Learning

WEEK 2

Students and staff successfully completed week two of our second session of Summer in the City 2014! On Monday, students viewed the film, “The Dark Universe” and explored the Space and Earth exhibit at the Hayden Planetarium. During the afternoon lesson, students participated in a dialogue on what they learned from the movie and exhibit. The students had some eclectic responses and dialogue, and their responses were recorded on a T chart so that students could have a visual of their new found knowledge and future questions to explore.

 

On Tuesday, we visited the NY Aquarium and Coney Island. During this full day trip, students had the opportunity to explore the NY Aquarium and walk the Coney Island Boardwalk. Students were able to learn about various marine life and observe a sea lion show. Afterwards, students socialized and enjoyed lunch at the famous Nathan’s Hot Dogs. Students learned how to navigate to Brooklyn via subway so that they can go back with family and friends in the future!

 

Students enjoyed the Museum of the Moving image on Wednesday, where they had the opportunity to explore various movie and video game artifacts. During the afternoon lesson, students read a short story,Nightmare in Yellow, to engage in a college level literacy exercise focused around group discussion and reading comprehension.

 

On Thursday, we visited the Museum of the City of New York, where students were exposed to the history of graffiti art in NYC, the Tiffany & Co. jewelry of the Gilded Age in NY, an exhibit of activist movements throughout NYC, the architecture influence of Guastavino, and a short film representing 400 years of NYC history. Thursday’s lesson included defining and discussing the power of persuasion and negotiation for college and job interviews. Students and staff compiled interview questions and answers that they may come across in future interviews, as well as role played various scenarios. Students also participated in sharing current events with the group, followed by a stress relieving exercise to develop stress coping skills.

 

Students visited the NY Transit Museum on Friday and were exposed to the history of the transit system in NYC. During the afternoon, students participated in a group reading of a play written by one of their peers, reading aloud specific roles and acting out various scenes. This reading lead into a discussion focused around defining leadership and abstract reflection. To end the week, students and staff headed to Battery Park to enjoy the views of the Statue of Liberty.

 

A closing note from NYC Coordinator, Raul Jimenez:

"We had an amazing week and the students are showing progress in social and executive functioning skills, such as navigating travel to and from home and within NYC, participation, showing respect, being aware of boundaries and most of all, confidence. We are looking forward to the final week of Session 2, as there is a lot to look forward to, such as a budgeting lesson, short story reading, stress management, self-advocacy and much more!"