Bailey Younghans is a typical student in the PEDS 293 class, she can’t wait to be a teacher and classes such as PEDS have just reinforced that she has chosen the right career path.  

The second year university transfer student from Elk Point, Alta., singles out the PEDS class--an introduction to movement activity in children--and MATH 160--higher arithmetic—as the source of that validation. Both have included interactive work with elementary school children. “Those classes have really given me a vision of what it is to be a teacher,” she says.  

“I’ve always wanted to be a teacher, these classes have confirmed it for me,” echoes classmate Mellissa Sherman of Lloydminster, who has been in both classes this semester.

The PEDS class also has a large quotient of males, the gender that isn't as common in elementary school staffs. Adam MacDougall switched from secondary to elementary education after doing a practicum. "I found out that I connected better with the younger students," he says.

Classmate Kurt McLean plans on being a high school phys. ed. teacher but has enjoyed the active nature of the PEDS class. The class meets twice a week, one of the sessions is in the gym.

Many of the PEDS class activities are ones its students could use in future educational, recreational and sport settings. Students also get turns choosing activities and leading them which gives them a chance to learn about teaching says instructor Jackie Bender.

The PEDS class has also gone to a local elementary school and had the children come to the college to do activities. This was a real opportunity for the teachers-to-be to see what is required for keep young students busy with fun and variety while still pursuing goals such as fitness.  



PEDS 293 and MATH 160 are two courses students who plan to transfer to bachelor of education (elementary) program can take at Lakeland College.

See more slide shows and videos on the university transfer showcase page.