Igniting curiosity through hands-on learning

The Spark program at Phelps Helps is a great opportunity for students to explore and cultivate a love of learning through fun hands-on activities. The program is offered after school for grades 3 and 4 at Jardin-des-frontières on Tuesdays and at Sunnyside on Thursdays. The program is in its first year at Jardin-des-frontière and fifth year at Sunnyside. Alyson Dougherty is the new coordinator for this program at both elementary schools.

Spark sessions began 3 weeks ago and Alyson has been working with the students to building self-esteem through engineering challenges and creativity. A Tower Cup Challenge had teams of participants design simple mechanisms to build a tower of cups without touching them with their hands. At their disposal were 16 plastic cups, yarn, straws, a cotton ball and a rubber band. Participants enjoyed the activity and didn’t realize the multiple soft skills that they were developing in the process.

Each Spark session begins with 25minutes of physical activity, followed by a healthy snack and an educational activity. These activities include S.T.E.A.M (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) challenges, science experiments, and team-building exercises where participants learn using practical application. The program provides participants with the opportunity to develop their teamwork, leadership, and responsibility skills, as well as to take ownership of their creations, selves, and workspace.

Phelps was founded in 2012 and has grown organically from a single high school tutoring program to nine unique programs, providing the Stanstead area with free educational and career support. For more information or to volunteer, please email us at info@phelpshelps.ca, visit our website www.phelpshelps.ca or call our offices at 819-704-0799.