As the winner of Bay Area Parent magazine’s Family Favorite award for two years in a row, Silver Creek Academy encourages children to think both critically and creatively. With academic courses geared toward small group focuses and teaching students to communicate effectively, Silver Creek produces confident, academically excellent children. Activity Hero recently spoke to Lori Jenkins of Silver Creek, and got some answers to essential questions parents may have.
Q: Tell us more about your class philosophy.
A: Milpitas provides individualized assistance in a small group setting which allows children to feel comfortable and safe while taking risks and learning new concepts, strategies and skills they might not otherwise be willing to learn while being graded.
Q: What surprises/delights the kids most about your class?
A: We really ARE nice and do care about every single child that walks through the door.
Q: What’s your happiest/proudest moment as a teacher?
A: Receiving compliments and comments from gracious students and parents are my happiest moments.
Q: Is there something students are usually afraid of?
A: Students are timid to tell about their most embarrassing moment in the Public Speaking class. Eventually they do and everyone has a great laugh!
Q: Which student milestone do you look forward to?
A: I love when the students begin to trust in me as the teacher and take risks. They enjoy trying problems on their own first before asking for help. It is so rewarding to see them work independently! Thinking critically is a skill that has fallen through the cracks.
Q: How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
A: Committed, responsible, kind
Q: What have parents told you, about your class, as something they never expected?
A: A child with speech problems willingly gave a speech in an effort to run for student office after completing our Public Speaking course.
Q: What have parents told you, about your class, that you never expected to hear (it surprised you to hear it)?
A: The classes are “fun!”
Q: What is one important question that parents should ask you before joining this kind of class?
A: Parents should ask if their child may move to a class that is not in the child’s current grade level. We strive to meet the needs of each child. If the child is in fourth grade, but struggling in writing, it is OK to ask that the child be placed in a third grade class. The same is true for students that are excelling.
Q: What is the one thing that kids can only do in your class and not anywhere else you know of?
A: Take risks and know that they won’t ‘fail’ for doing so.
Q: A tip or technique or any other useful bit information for students/parents?
A: Read to your child, they are never too old to be read to.
You can find out more about Silver Creek Academy by calling them and arranging a tour of either their San Jose or Milpitas campuses. They offer engaging and results-producing classes both during the school year and over the summer.