Over 75 education majors in Kappa Delta Pi, the education honor society, transformed the College of Education’s James Hall into a winter wonderland to welcome dozens of excited children to their annual pajama party, held on Friday, Dec. 9 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
As each child walked into the “December Around the World” themed event, they gleefully accepted passports to wear around their necks. Holding their arms outstretched like airplane wings, the children flew from one classroom to the next, to learn about four different countries’ customs, weather, food and more. Teams of Kappa Delta Pi students worked together for weeks to finalize each room’s theme and decorations, while creating interactive learning experiences for their pint-sized guests. A snack room delighted the kids, as they munched on treats associated with countries other than our own.
Rachael Schupak, a senior early childhood education and literacy studies major from Oradell, NJ (Bergen County), joined Kappa Delta Pi three years ago, participating in each winter pajama party. “I love getting together with future educators and discussing professional development,” she said. “It’s a lot of work for the committee members and it’s a great bonding experience.” Washington Township (Gloucester County) native Joseph Bittmann, president of Kappa Delta Pi and a secondary education/history major earning a Teacher of Students with Disabilities endorsement, echoes this sentiment,”On top of getting experience from working with students from around our area, we learn planning skills, communication skills, and find endless creative ideas to make lessons fun. It all starts with working collaboratively to brainstorm ideas for each room and come up with main themes and fun activities. Communication is key.”
Rowan Preschool student Steven F., age 4, shared, “My favorite part was playing hockey!” which was a part of the Canada room. Steven also ran to hug a few Kappa Delta Pi members, exclaiming, “Teacher!” He recognized the education majors as people who either volunteer in his classroom or hold student worker jobs within Rowan Preschool. Naturally, he thought it was quite funny to see his “teachers” wearing pajamas!
Education majors are welcome to join the honor society after they have earned 30 credits and maintain a 3.5 GPA. Junior secondary education and social studies major Hope Wagner, from Washington Township (Gloucester County), feels, “It’s amazing to be in an organization where you are all passionate about education and children. Getting to interact with the children, even for a short time, is a reminder as to why I continue my path to become an educator. Kappa Delta Pi does amazing things over the year and I am very blessed to be a part of it.”
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