Students get first look inside NEISD’s newest museum rooms
The newest children’s museum in San Antonio has officially opened its doors.
The best part about it is that it’s and right here in North East ISD!
“Last year, we received a grant from ‘Pre-K for SA.’ They started construction over the summer,” Fatima Vasquez explained.
Vasquez is the Bilingual Instructional Coach at The Pre-K Academy at West Avenue.
This is her 14th year in education and her first year on campus.
Vasquez said the school now has two museum rooms on campus including a market room and a farm room.
“These are not classrooms, they’re experiences. Every material that’s in here is intentional to promote student’s learning. It gives all students, including our dual language students that we have here on campus, the opportunity to develop oral language through conservations and through their play,” she said.
In a true farm-to-market experience, students like Ryleigh Epstein learn the hands-on way.
Complete with a shirt full of sparkles and fairy wings, she said she woke up both excited and sleepy to try the rooms out for the first time.
“I was taking care of a baby and doing the kitchen- making cake. Also, I like to the farm over there because they have awesome toys,” the soon-to-be five-year-old explained.
Vasquez said both students and teachers were excited to get their day in the museum rooms, which is booked on a rotating basis.
“One teacher will have these two rooms for one whole day. We’re still following the COVID protocols. We’re still wearing masks, constantly washing our hands and there is hand sanitizer. For the following day, the custodians come in here and clean as well,” she added.
This gives students like Ryleigh a chance to learn while having fun which will ultimately prepare her for her future endeavors.
“I want to be a traveling DJ or an artist too,” she proudly exclaimed.
Vasquez said these museum rooms are a great addition to the school and will promote oral language, creativity and other meaningful elements of early childhood development.
“This kind of play, this kind of learning is so important because it builds that creativity while they are playing! The kids are excited. There’s going to be a lot of learning happening in here,” she said.
NEISD offers full-day Pre-K at 33 elementary schools, including the Pre-K Academy at West Avenue.
To learn more, click here: https://www.neisd.net/Page/717
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