Debbie's ESOL in the Community Class
Parma Ridge Library on Wednesday mornings from 9:30 am to 12:00 noon
Parma Ridge Library is located at 5850 Ridge Road (near Snow Road) in Parma, Ohio
After learning about the origin of Halloween in the USA, our class visited the local Flowerama store to see the Halloween and fall displays. After selecting their own pumpkin, they returned to the classroom to enjoy cider and donuts.
Our fire safety and prevention unit included a field trip to the Parma Fire safety House. Fireman Ciarrone conducted a thorough instructional tour including calling 911 to report a fire emergency and using a fire extinguisher. The class took part in a mock house fire that required them to escape through a bedroom window. Viewing the devastation that a fire can cause left a lasting impression on the class.
After a lesson on Veteran’s Day, which included the sharing of how this tradition is celebrated in other countries, the class was visited by a local group of American Legion veterans. The students were very interested and honored to hear some of the wartime experiences shared by the gentlemen. A demonstration on the proper way to fold an American flag was presented.
Having the EL/Civics class at Parma Ridge Library has been very beneficial to our students. The extensive amount of resources and the use of the computer lab has really enhanced their learning. They recently enjoyed an informative presentation and library tour with Regina Stopper, the library's manager.
Following a discussion about their various ethnic holiday traditions and customs, the students made cinnamon scented ornaments. The class had fun rolling out the dough, choosing what cookie cutter shape to use, and deciding where to hang the finished decoration in their home.
The students learned that in a democracy good citizens often volunteer to help others in their community. After researching the various volunteer opportunities in the Cleveland area, the class put into practice what they had been learning and went to the Parma Heights Food Pantry. After learning about the Food Pantry's mission, the students went to work unloading boxes, stocking food on the shelves, and checking the expiration dates on food items. Helping others in need was a great way to begin the holiday season.
The students spent time working in the Parma Ridge Library computer lab researching information on President's Day, George Washington, and Abraham Lincoln.
As a culminating activity to their unit on job skills, the students participated in a program presented by Jim Hanson. Mr. Hanson is a Cuyahoga County Public Library career counselor.
After learning about the origin and customs of Saint Valentine's Day and discussing the concept of friendship, the class enjoyed some sweet treats and posed for this friendly photo.
Students enjoyed sharing their Easter holiday traditions and were happy to display the beautifully decorated eggs they created.
After discussing ways to prevent or solve family and/or community problems, we invited Lynn Stutzman, coordinator of the Parma Area Family to Family Collaborative to visit our class. The students were amazed at the number of excellent community resources available to them and their families.
Since many of our students are interested in furthering their education, our field trip to the Western Campus of Cuyahoga Community College proved to be very beneficial. Following an informative presentation by Trudy Ramos, Admissions/Outreach Coordinator, we were given a complete tour of the campus and treated to lunch. One of our enthusiastic students even completed and submitted an application at the end of the visit!