For many parents, summertime hours seem to move slower. The grueling Las Vegas sun isn’t enough to tire out kids breathing in the freedom of long, school-less days.
Local mom, Irma Lesane, has double the trouble trying to find summer activities that are stimulating for both her daughters.
Tatianna, 4, is just starting pre-k. She enjoys watching PBS programming and playing with toys. Tamarah, 8, is in fourth grade, and loves learning all about science.
Despite their age difference, both girls find endless joy every summer while participating in Vegas PBS’s Family and Community Learning workshops.
“I think I’ve attended more than 10 classes,” said Irma. “I’ve attended two of the same classes, but you still get something out of it. It’s always something different.”
This summer, Irma and her daughters attended a workshop based on Ruff Ruffman. The course focused on engineering design. Some of the activities the Lesane family did during the four-week session included: mixing solids and liquids, testing different types of terrain and building outfits that can withstand the elements.
“I liked doing the activities with my sister,” said Tamarah. “It made me more motivated to do science at home.”
At the end of every session, the families are given books and materials to extend the learning to their homes. Irma says her family makes good use of these resources.
“We definitely use every bit and part of the reading materials. It’s for everybody,” said Irma. “Even I learn from it.”
By taking the class with her daughters, Irma says the entire family has grown closer. Whether the girls are working on homework or building their own engineering design, they feel comfortable coming to Mom for help.
“I love it. I’ll take it as much as they let me, because I know when they grow up I won’t have this bond with them.”
After attending all four classes, the Lesane family was gifted a PBS KIDS Playtime Pad. Irma says they’ll use the Playtime Pad as an award during the school year when the girls finish their homework.
“We only let the girls play PBS games. We love Vegas PBS.”
