Education students teach homeschooled students about ancient Egypt
March 28, 2008
Contact: Paul K. Logsdon, Director of Public Relations and Publications, 417-865-2815, Ext. 7292
Homeschooled elementary students learn about ancient Egypt through interactive projects.
Dr. Colleen Hardy, associate professor of Elementary Education and Curriculum, works with a student. Dr. Hardy teaches Evangel students in Education 370 who conduct these model classrooms.
Springfield, Mo. — Each Wednesday for the next five weeks, 30 homeschooled elementary students will be guests in Evangel University’s education department.
These children, ages four through 12, are participating in a special unit on ancient Egypt taught by students in Education 370, Science and Social Studies for Elementary Teachers.
Dr. Colleen Hardy, associate professor of Elementary Education and Curriculum, teaches this course which prepares education students through the use of model classrooms. Involving homeschooled students benefits everyone—the education students get to practice in a simulated classroom while the homeschooled students get to experience a classroom setting.
Each five-week unit has grade level expectations and assessment according to Dr. Hardy. On their first day studying ancient Egypt, the elementary students worked on a variety of assignments such as an art project making Egyptian headpieces and a matching quiz on the difference between transportation then and now.
Homeschooled students have participated in two other units covering the topics of Lewis & Clark and westward expansion. Michael Watterson, in sixth grade, doesn’t know yet if he will follow in the footsteps of his brother, Jonathan, a junior at Evangel. But he has participated in all three units offered at Evangel. His favorite part so far has been “learning about Pharoah and how he ruled.”
The number of homeschooled students involved in this education class has grown mainly by word-of-mouth. “Students come from Springfield, Willard, Ozark and Nixa,” said Dr. Hardy. “One family actually drives from St. Robert, Missouri—near Rolla—to attend this class.”
Kristine Kohles, a junior majoring in elementary education, shares the teaching responsibility for one of the four groups studying ancient Egypt. “It’s a different environment,” said Kohles. “The classroom is smaller than the regular school system, and the kids are eager and excited to learn. Evangel has given us a great opportunity.”
The Physical Education department also hosts homeschooled students each semester for special units.
For additional information, contact Dr. Colleen Hardy (417) 865-2815 ext. 8553.