Young Aztecs Celebrate Dr. Seuss and Reading with CFD

Story contributed by: Shelby Smith

In Spring 2014, in honor of National Read Across America Day, preschoolers from the San Diego State Children’s Center enjoyed a morning of listening to their favorite books being read by their teachers, parents, and other volunteers. The day is held annually to celebrate the birthday of Dr. Seuss, the renowned children’s book author.

Three and four year old preschoolers walked across the SDSU campus to the lawn in front of the iconic Hepner Hall for a special reading of classics like The Cat in the Hat, Green Eggs and Ham, and The Lorax. The goal of the event was to promote literacy and highlight the significance of reading early in children’s development.

Last spring marked the second annual event hosted by the Child and Family Development Department as part of its ongoing Children’s Library Project, and was organized by CFD seniors, Cyrene Prudente and Shelby Smith. In 2011, the CFD Department helped revitalize the children’s library at the on-campus Children’s Center, which was unorganized and rarely used by children and families. The receipt of a President’s Leadership Grant also assisted with the purchase of a computer database, furniture, and books for the revitalization project.

CFD students continue to support the library project through an ongoing action research project coordinated by faculty member Dr. Sarah Garrity. CFD graduate student, Chun-Ju Chen, is currently creating an online module linked to the Children’s Center website that will inform parents of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers of the benefits of shared book reading. The module will also provide information about high quality children’s literature and as useful instructions and strategies to help them read to their children more effectively.

Aztec Science Camp Makes Science Fun!

This summer San Diego State University offered its first ever science camp for children ages 6 to 11. The three-week camp not only offered hands-on learning for kids, but gave the SDSU science and engineering majors who led the camp the opportunity to try out teaching science.

Trish Hatch and Lauren Owen Represent SDSU at White House Event

Story adapted from article at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

On Monday, July 28, 2014 the Harvard Graduate School of Education, in partnership with the White House’s College Opportunity Agenda, convened leaders in education to discuss strategies to increase access to college for Americans. SDSU Counseling and School Psychology faculty members, Dr. Trish Hatch and Dr. Laura Owen were among the leaders and decision makers who attended the event to discuss how improvements in school counseling and college advising can bring about greater postsecondary opportunities for Americans.