By:  Amy Farver

Dothan – Four-year-old Emily Alberto of Chancellor, is one of 125 children who “Blasted into the Past” during Troy University’s 14thannual Summer Spectacular in Dothan. The four-week program, which is hosted annually by the College of Education, was held at Kelly Springs Elementary.

On a recent morning, Alberto and the other children ages 4 to 11 beamed with excitement as they worked on hands-on projects aimed at teaching them about U.S. History from 1900 to 2000.

“I am just so excited to be here,” Alberto said, “and surprised at how much I’m learning.”

Many children, like Matthew Still of Dothan, return summer after summer. The 8-year-old has taken part in the program for four years.

“I always look forward to coming because I learn a lot in every room and because there’s just so much to do,” Still said. “In one room we are making the Empire State Building, and in another we are building a helicopter.” 

According to Troy University Early Childhood Instructor Rita Farver of Daleville, the four-week program gives children a chance to gain new knowledge and social skills, while also providing valuable classroom experience for the University’s Early Childhood and Elementary Education majors.

“The importance of Summer Spectacular is to give the students an opportunity to teach,” Farver said, “and the children a chance to learn in a fun environment.”

Loren Huggins of Geneva was among 36 education majors who participated in Summer Spectacular to gain experience and knowledge for their future classrooms.

“Not only have I gained experience this summer,” Huggins said, “but I have also learned to be patient in the classroom because things don’t always go as planned and you have to be ready for anything.” 

As Summer Spectacular progressed, education majors like Kelly Crews of Jakin, Ga. realized their preparation at Troy University is of great importance for the summer program and their careers. 

“My favorite part of Summer Spectacular is being able to do the things that you learn about in your textbook, experience the project approach and interact with the children in your own classroom,” said Crews. 

Elementary Education major Amanda Beaver of Daleville also relished the chance to have her own classroom.

“Summer Spectacular is helping us prepare for the future classroom because we are running the show,” Beaver said. “We direct lessons and projects without someone standing over us.”

As the program wrapped up in late July, Early Childhood and Elementary Education dual major Wendy Knowlton of Enterprise said it has helped shape her teaching philosophy.

“Summer Spectacular is a lot of hard work,” Knowlton said, “but it is a lot of fun. You really learn a lot about yourself and the kind of teacher you want to be.”

For more information about Summer Spectacular, contact the Troy University College of Education at (334) 983-6556, ext. 1-368.

Photo by:  Inga Oberst/Troy University