Guinea Pigs Wed on Valentine's Day

The creative school-age children attending LVCC's after-school program at Nazareth Area Intermediate discovered how to plan a wedding... for a pair of guinea pigs. The idea originated when one of the students announced that she received a second guinea pig as a family pet. The class unanimously decided to hold a special ceremony for the pets on the day of love.

Every minute detail was planned out by the children. The set design of the "walkway" for the purring couple was beautifully decorated to match the bridesmaids' hand-made "floral arrangements" in color, pattern, and style. The children collaborated in writing the script for the service, as well as creating the ceremony invitations and program. One of the students officiated. Original costumes for a groom's tux and a bride's veil were designed. The musical score for the celebration included a special selection performed by a talented LVCC student.

The children experienced an all-inclusive educational curriculum through the wedding planning. While preparing the guest list and taking measurements for the costume and set design, they practiced their math skills. Public speaking, role-playing, writing, art, music, and even social studies were other topics explored.

Allentown Health Bureau Teaches Healthy Habits Through Yoga

The preschool and Pre-K Counts classes from LVCC's Judith Chase Early Learning Center learned the importance of health through yoga. An intern through Allentown Bureau of Health's Nutrition and Physical Activity Program led the nutrition-based instruction.

This community education program was designed to generate excitement among youth about fitness and eating healthier foods. Using large pictures of  fruits and vegetables as focus points, the children discussed from where food comes, such as on a farm or from a tree.

The interactive sessions then engaged the children in poses as bunnies and cows. Visualizing being rooted into the ground while in Tree Pose, yoga allowed the preschoolers to expand their imaginations. They discovered different ways of relaxation by breathing. Yoga stimulated their physical, mental and emotional abilities.

View More Photos of the Yoga Instruction

Building Core Skills Through Gymnastics

To foster physical and emotional development, school-age children attending LVCC at Muhlenberg received gymnastics instruction. For four weeks, the Parkettes brought their nationally-known gymnastics routine to the after-school program.

The students experienced the importance of physical fitness, including strength, balance, flexibility and coordination. They gained physical benefits and confidence while tumbling and jumping. As the children became more familiar with the flips and cartwheels, their self-esteem grew. The trampoline was the most popular activity.

View Photo Album of Parkettes Gymnasium