Ella-mentary Keeps Kids Learning in the Summertime

From the North Bend Eagle by Mary Le Arneal, Reporter

Nine second and third graders-to-be spent an more than an hour learning about different countries as part of Ella-mentary, a program originated, organized and conducted by Ella Endorf.

Endorf had growth opportunities growing up in 4-H, Future Problem Solvers and MathCounts. Now a junior at North Bend Central, her main purpose for this camp was to help students to continue working academically in the summer

“I had so many opportunities, since I’m older now it’s my turn to pass it on,” Endorf said.

Endorf received a grant from the North Bend Community Foundation to help pay for curriculum, gifts, treats and other expenses for the classes.

The classes were held July 11 to 15 at the library community room for an hour and 15 minutes. Endorf exposed the girls to stories, games, food and customs of different countries. Countries visited were the United Kingdom, Egypt, Brazil, China and Italy.

Endorf asked the first and second grade teachers for recommendations on girls to invite. Twenty girls were invited and nine were able to attend.

“It was a good number,” Endorf said. “I got to know each girl and there was enough to do games.”

Girls attending were second graders (in the fall) Emma Williams, Mia Beebe, Kassie Swanson and third graders Reese Petersen, Alexis Rasmussen, Emma Hill, Samantha Cummings, Hallie Mottl and Izzy Stuenkel.

When studying China, the girls were given rice to eat with chop sticks. All except one girl had experience with chop sticks having studied Japan in first grade with teacher Chris Peterson. They were given M&Ms for additional practice. They played the Chinese game “catch the dragon tail” on the library lawn.

“I liked learning about different countries,” third grader Reese Petersen said. “It was fun seeing what different countries do - the games and all.”

Endorf agreed it was a good experience for her too. She doesn’t plan to be a teacher. She just loves kids.

“It’s been so much fun,” she said.

When the class was over the girls all agreed they had fun and that the games were their favorite part, China and Brazil their favorite countries.