Dear Creativity Oklahoma: What is AKERA? AKERA stands for Advancing Kids Education, Responsibility through Authentic learning. Our goal is to engage kids in creative thinking outside of school. We teach new concepts and ideas and consider alternative perspectives that encourage students to move toward independent learning.
Mission Statement: We strive to create fun learning environments that encourage kids to apply craftsmanship and authentic learning, to develop in them the ability to positively impact their communities.
We help kids through stimulating activities, such as: 1) Engaging stimulating ideas in storytelling, inquiry-based learning, and art. 2) Growing confidence in physical craftsmanship through building. 3) Exploring abstract and artistic ideas by designing visual, oral, and literary elements.
Who are the Teachers? Teaching is a challenge, and skilled teachers have invested much time to learn and refine their skills. This is an opportunity to practice educational strategies in a small context.
We have a vast array of skilled and uniquely talented mentors.
People interested in teaching may find that they have a knack for it, although, it’s definitely harder to get exposure outside of school. We have established strong connections with excellent teachers; some individuals from this organization have gone on to graduate school or obtained good positions at Columbia (creative writing graduate school), New Mexico (graduate school in English), UCO (Student Success Administrator), Oklahoma School Systems (certified English teacher), as well as Terry Brady (a local artist that works on low-vision/high-contrast paintings).
Who are the Kids involved?
We have about five to 10 kids that meet regularly and have had as many as 15 in our core group. Currently, kids range in ages from eight to 17
What is our current status of operation? AKERA has been around for more than over seven years. One session per month is held. There are two curriculum meetings monthly to prepare for each monthly session. AKERA is not a business – we are currently a club. We began started as a group of parents interested in supplying out-of-school exposure to provide authentic learning experiences for our kids. We hope that combining our thought-provoking activities with a small student-to-mentor ratio provides an individualized, resonant experience for each kid.
What’s Next for us and why Creativity Oklahoma: After many years of initial growth and progress, we are poised to become a non-profit organization in order to apply for funding to support further development. Becoming a non-profit will allow us to apply for grants as well as receive tax-deductible donations, enabling us to create more mentorship opportunities, achieve more outreach, and enhance creative curriculum. The group is ready to pursue a new level of arts and science–integrated learning environments.
Sincerely,
Dee H. Wu, Ph.D.