Lessons both big and small
High school program serves students and area families
Sitting on the alphabet rug, Lauren Ruvola reads to an eager group of students during circle time.
It's a typical morning at Naperville Central High School, where the students are small, but the lessons are big.
Ruvola is one of 45 teens taking child development, a five-week course offered at Central.
(Danielle Gardner/Staff Photographer)
"It is a great opportunity for the high school students to work with children," Partman said. "The preschool allows the high school students to implement what they learn in class."
Jarman, who has been teaching at Central since 1981, said the program is mutually beneficial.
"While I feel the class is very valuable for the high school students in many ways, we are also providing a service for families within the community," Jarman said. "I have worked with entire families during my tenure at Central. Many of the former preschoolers come back and take the class when they are in high school."
In October, when 10 preschool students filed in for their first class, the teens were ready for them.
"From the start of the school year until the preschool children come, the high school students learn about toddlers," Partman said. "They learn about social, intellectual, physical and emotional development of a toddler."
The teenagers work in teams to create a lesson plan each week, which include a theme-based story and craft.
Since stepping into the role of educator, 15-year-old Christy Comstock has a new appreciation for the teaching profession.
"Teaching for my child development class taught me what teachers go through every day to teach proper lessons," said the sophomore. "When my teachers are giving their lessons, I sit there in respect because I know how much work they went through to put it together."
Senior Alyssa Carlson shared the sentiment.
"I now realize how much time goes into each lesson our teachers do," Carlson said. "I am more respectful of their efforts."
The experience also has reinforced Carlson's desire to become a teacher.
"I do want to pursue teaching when I'm older," said the 18-year-old. "The experience with the kids at our preschool has really helped to confirm the goals I'd like to pursue in teaching as well."
