The ALI held some great activities this semester. Keep reading to learn more!
The semester began with an in-person New Student Orientation. This was the first in-person orientation we’ve held since the pandemic and we were really excited. We reworked a lot of our content so that the orientation focused more on welcoming students and supporting them through their cultural transition in the U.S., and less on instructing students how to fit in to U.S. American culture. We continue to make changes based on student feedback and are excited for our next orientation.
The first activity we held was Ice Skating at Crown Center. Crown Center is a shopping mall in downtown Kansas City. It is near Union Station, Lego Land, and the aquarium. Ice Skating at the Ice Terrace across the street from is a popular wintertime tradition in Kansas City.
Our second activity of the semester was a visit to the Kansas City Museum. This museum has been closed for renovations for over ten years!
The Kansas City Museum is a history museum that showcases Kansas City history, beginning with the early/mid-1800s and continuing all the way to present day. Visiting the museum is a great way to learn about Kansas City, it’s history, and culture.
We began on the first floor of the museum, which displays architecture, furniture, and artwork from the original owners of the home (in the early 1900’s). Much of their furniture and artwork was imported from European countries like France and England.
The second floor houses the exhibits that display Kansas City history from the 1800s to now.
The basement floor is home to a billiards room and a soda fountain.
We look forward to returning to the museum in future semesters, perhaps for a guided tour, or to relax in the soda fountain and billiards room.
The final activity of the semester was the ALI Month of Service. Everyone in the ALI was encouraged to spend at least 3 hours serving the community. This was a great opportunity to learn more about Kansas City, the needs of it’s residents, and the organizations that help them.
The ALI led to group service projects, although students were also allowed to do their own projects individually or in their own groups. The first ALI led project was with Bridging the Gap. This non-profit organization works to make the Kansas City area sustainable by planting trees, recycling, restoring native prairies, composting and teaching residents about the importance of caring for our environment.
The ALI spent four hours volunteering at the Red Bridge Recycling Center. We Learned the rules for recycling in Kansas City and helped community members as they dropped their recyclables off at the center. It was hot, and we were sunburned, but is was a great way to practice our English with Kansas City residents and give back to the community.
The second ALI led project was at Operation Breakthrough. This organization began as a daycare for four children. It has grown to include a daycare, before- and after-school care for six-month old babies all the way up to high school age children. The organization provides more than just childcare, they also provide food, medical care, a dental clinic, speech and therapy service, and much more.
At Operation Breakthrough we broke into three groups. One group sorted clothes for the baby and children’s clothing closet. Another group sorted clothes for the adult clothing closet. Parents of children who participate in Operation Breakthrough programs are invited to go “shopping” in the when they need items.
The third group cut out materials for tutoring sessions with the pre-K students as part of the Kindergarten readiness program.
At the end of the project, we were taken on a brief tour where we got to see the classrooms and facilities. Overall, it was an enjoyable experience and I think some of our students may even go back and volunteer again!