University Seeks Course Proposals for Children's Summer Programs

Texas A&M International University's Office of Continuing Education is seeking course proposals from educators and professionals who wish to teach classes for the Kinder Camp, Children's Summer Workshop, or Summer Academy June 10-July 3.

Sergio Barragán, program coordinator for Continuing Education at A&M International, said creative, energetic persons should submit course proposals to his office, located in the Student Center, room 126, as soon as possible.

"The course proposals should adhere to the philosophy of our summer programs--to provide young people with fun, eye-opening, and rich learning experiences. Proposed courses should capitalize on the amenities the campus affords us, such as computer labs with Internet access, science and chemistry labs, the Kinesiology/Convocation Building, and landscaped grounds. Proposals should also comply with the program's structure, one-hour sessions Monday through Friday for four weeks," Barragán explained.

The Kinder Camp, for 4- and 5-year-old preschoolers, and the Children's Summer Workshop, for 1st - 6th graders, will be held in the mornings, from 8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. The Summer Academy, for 7th - 12th graders will be held in the afternoons, from 12 noon - 5 p.m.

Submitted proposals should include a course outline, detailed lesson plans, and material lists with cost estimates. A current resume should be submitted with the proposal.

Course proposals for the Kinder Camp should center on fun activities which teach math, science, reading, and music in a nurturing, supportive environment. All activities should be linked by a central theme. Past Kinder Camps themes have included "water life," "bugs," and "farm animals," and "children around the world."

Course proposals for the Children's Summer Workshop should include lesson plans for three grade groupings, 1st - 2nd grades, 3rd - 4th grades, and 5th - 6th grades. Past course offerings for the Summer Children's Workshop have focused on beginning computers, arts and crafts, math and science, theater arts, children's literature, music, and cooperative sports.

The Summer Academy, for teenagers in grades 7th - 12th, will be held in the afternoons from noon - 5 p.m. Courses are offered in one-hour sessions for two grade groups, 7th - 8th and 9th - 12th. Summer Academy course proposals should include lesson plans for two grade groupings, 7th - 8th and 9th - 12th. Among past course offerings have been Internet exploration, sculpture, computer training, forensics, hypnosis, environmental analysis, library science, parapsychology, and Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) preparation in math and English.

For more information on submitting course proposals for A&M International's summer programs, please call the University's Office of Special Programs at 326-2700, or visit offices in the Student Center, room 126. University office hours are from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday - Friday.

Additional information may also be obtained by email at sbarragan@tamiu.edu or by visiting the Office of Special Programs Web Page via the University's Web Page at www.tamiu.edu/contedu.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu