VAST Activities: Current Events
In Current Events, we learn about and discuss current issues that appear in the news. This semester, we have talked about economic inequality in the U.S., gun violence and the gun control debate, and environmental issues. The topics are primarily chosen based on student inquiry and interest. For each topic, we look at informative videos, […]
VAST Activities: Making Murals
In the Art and Sculpture Activity, the students had fun painting parts of a larger mural that they later connected together. Each painting is a representation of one aspect of each student that plays a part in the larger mural of class portraits. More pictures of the completed mural are forthcoming!
VAST Activities: Writer’s Workshop
We’re aiming to give kids the space to practice using writing as a way to express original ideas and opinions. In this process, we view structured and creative group discussion as a key technique to get ideas flowing. Our planned workshops target broad issues such as racism, sexism, gun violence and LGBTQ rights on a […]
VAST Activities: Social Justice
Social Justice aims to give Poughkeepsie Middle School students the tools to enact social change within their community. After an examination of some of the issues that are affecting PMS students (e.g. bullying, lack of activities for sixth graders, apathy for education), will we choose an issue and work towards social change through a combination […]
VAST Activities: Nature Adventures
The goal of Nature Adventures is to promote awareness and appreciation of the local environment and increase understanding of basic biological concepts. We hope that after participating in our program, students in VAST will be able to recognize biodiversity around them and in other parts of the world. In order to instill these concepts, we […]
VAST Activities: Fun in Spanish
In the Fun in Spanish activity we plan to promote diverse thoughts about our own culture by comparing it to the cultures found in Spanish-speaking countries. We will watch clips of Hispanic films and television, cook and eat native “comida,” and practice Spanish words and phrases in a relaxed environment. We plan to bring in […]
VAST Activities: Cooking
In cooking we’ve been making a number of creative dishes and recipes from scratch. We’ve worked together with tasty raw ingredients to bring delicious recipes to life. In making oatmeal raisin cookies, half of the scholars were blind-folded, a fun way to work on communication skills, a vital skill when cooking in groups!
VAST Activities: Current Affairs Discussion
Current Events is all about exploring how society works and how we think of it. Both scholars and mentors contribute to discussions about American politics, social welfare, and media. The format of the activity allows scholars to actively participate in answering and asking questions while mentors help focus the conversation. The 2012 election might be […]
VAST Activities: Art Appreciation
This year in VAST Art Appreciation we will be focusing on the art of “Storytelling without Words,” looking at the various different ways of representing narratives through painting, fabric, photography, objects, and space. We hope to use narratives as a way of relating on a deeper and more personal level with art objects and to […]
VAST Activities: Dance
The dance program will be adventuring into several different dance styles (hip-hop, jazz, latin, modern, and theater). The students will also be accomplishing a creative choreography poetry project and learn about dance films. We will be learning choreography in all these different styles and hope to put on a performance at the end of the […]
VAST Activities: Reflections on Photo-Voice
Here, five underclassmen reflect on Photo-Voice, continuing our series on this exciting VAST activity! Abby Tripler ’15:“Photo-Voice is an enriching experience for both the mentors and the scholars. Through the program I have really enjoyed getting to know the scholars and seeing things from their perspective through their photographs. It is always rewarding when they […]
VAST Activities: Photo-Voice
by Zan Schmidt and Claire Casstevens The name ‘Photo-Voice’ refers to developing a narrative and creative voice through photography. In order to do this, VAST mentors teach students photography skills so they can then go out and use the camera as a new lens to interpret their own experiences and world around them. History of […]
