This past summer, close to 60 students from Kindergarten to Grade 5 participated in Virtual Summer Learning Programs throughout the Keewatin-Patricia District School Board; one program was located in Ear Falls, two in Kenora, and one in Dryden. Participants were selected in consultation with staff and administration from the three communities’ schools.
Teachers integrated a variety of authentic contexts for literacy and numeracy instruction. These included incorporating FNMI perspectives and teachings, healthy and active living and community connections and partnerships through virtual field trips, experiences and special guests.
The Keewatin-Patricia District School Board Summer Learning Program was able to incorporate partnerships and collaboration to support the students. These included groups and individuals from local communities and across the province and provided students with learning opportunities that a typical summer learning program in northwestern Ontario would not otherwise have provided. This program component became extremely popular with the children and has proven quite impactful to their learning. These experiences gave students opportunities to develop 21st-century learning skills, including innovation, problem-solving, resilience and collaboration. All participants were highly engaged in these learning activities, which teachers used as a springboard for oral and written language and numeracy. The children’s excitement to share their learning with their parents also increased the level of program engagement.
The students participated in unique experiences that some students may never have had the opportunity to participate in or see, and this happened because of the technology we used. The technology showed the students that the world is at their fingertips, and educators transformed teaching by ushering in a new connectivity model. The students were able to develop and maintain their literacy and math skills with the learning that occurred; they also built their knowledge, which enabled them to make connections and develop critical thinking skills. The program inspired our students and convinced them that they can be whatever they want. It also helped them learn about their passions and interests and furthered their learning using a range of technological tools. It gave them a wide variety of learning opportunities that opened their eyes to the world and technology’s power to connect people.
The staff’s dedication, alongside innovative partnerships and programs, provided students with rich, experiential literacy and numeracy opportunities. Using the Summer Learning Program as the vehicle, KPDSB supported close to 60 learners in being well-prepared for the return to learning in September.
