TES program bridges learning gap with math, reading and plenty of fun

Troy Elementary fifth-grader Oshaskey Flowers said that math is his favorite subject.

“If you can think of it in your head, you have the answer,” Flowers said on Tuesday, explaining the appeal of working math problems during his summer break.

Troy Elementary seems to have found answers as well to the summer achievement gap with its Summer Academy.

Flowers was one of 90 students participating in the program, which began Monday and continues through Friday. Two daily sessions divide the students into morning and afternoon groups to accommodate more participants in the program.

“This year we are focusing on math and reading and going back to basics,” teacher Lise Fayson said.

“And they will go home with enough practice materials to last them through the summer.”

Outer Space is the theme for this year’s program, and the kids said that they loved learning about planets.

Students are completing research projects about their favorite planets and will present them at the end of the week, reading coach Kristi Lewis said.

“This gives children a great opportunity, promotes learning rather than just playing in the summer,” Lewis said. “But there is only so much that you can do in five days – so we are providing things to take home.”

Students are being sent home with a plethora of tools, both digital and traditional, such as flash cards, booklets of stories and math problems, online access to digital tools, and other learning resources. One-on-one interaction for each student is a important component of the summer academy, according to math teacher Missy Berry.

Troy University students are volunteering with the program to help with one-on-one instruction.

Brittany Smith, a Troy University graduate education student assisting with the academy, said it’s wonderful teachers are able to provide the children with this opportunity because the school staff knows what each individual students need.

“They needed firming up in certain skills and any little help they can get through the summer is great,” Smith said.