Beth Mulherin, a teacher at Woodland Elementary School, leads a reading exercise at one of the stations at the Fresh Start Kindergarten Readiness Camp.
Springmill Learning Center is buzzing with the energy of dozens of 5-year-olds this week.
Eighty-five children are enrolled in Mansfield City Schools’ Fresh Start Kindergarten Readiness Camp. The 9 a.m.-to-noon sessions began Monday and will continue through Friday.
Teacher leader Jean Vipperman of Woodland Elementary School said the camp is designed to help children transition successfully to a daily school routine.
“It’s a nice way of trying to make it positive for them so they’re not so nervous when they start kindergarten,” Vipperman said.
Children move among several stations set up at Springmill to explore reading, math and other subject areas. One hands-on station allows the youngsters to “construct” a house out of cardboard boxes.
Development of readiness skills this week includes recognizing and writing their own names, learning to communicate in a group setting and following instructions.
Free bus transportation is provided by Richland County Transit.