Summer is a unique time to engage students, build new relationships, and reinforce knowledge gained during the school year. It’s a great opportunity to offer meaningful and inspiring educational experiences.
To help simplify the process of planning summer programs, we’ve gathered insights from Portland Public Schools, which received the 2024 New York Life Foundation Excellence in Summer Learning Award for their Summer Academy (SAA) program. The program team shares why summer is so important and how they made their initiative successful using LEGO® Education solutions.
Sharing Experience: A Snapshot of Portland’s Summer Academy
- Program Duration: 22 days
- 90 minutes of literacy — small group work with reading specialists
- 60 minutes of hands-on mathematics — problem-solving and applied approaches
- 60 minutes of electives — art, music, physical education
- 60 minutes of STEAM instruction using LEGO® Education solutions
- 2024 Outcome: 2,400 students, primarily from socially vulnerable communities
Participation is by invitation only: “We invite every child from kindergarten through grade 5 who is behind their peers in reading. Additionally, to remove participation barriers, we also invite their siblings,” says Darci Soto, Portland’s Director of Accelerated Learning. She adds: “Although all selected students are below reading level, experience shows that there are still significant differences in abilities within this group.
The Portland team strongly believes that active and hands-on learning is key to maintaining students’ attention and interest. Even mathematics at SAA is taught using practical, real-world methods.When it comes to engagement, Soto highlights: “LEGO® Education is the driving force. Students look forward to this class with excitement. It’s not free play — it’s structured, goal-oriented instruction aligned with educational standards.”
SAA participants undergo pre- and post-assessments in literacy. Soto emphasizes that this is a critical component of the program: “Every step we take is aimed at one bold goal — every student should finish the program with improved reading skills. Every decision must support that goal.” The team also surveyed teachers on the use of LEGO® Education — the feedback was overwhelmingly positive.
Bring LEGO® Education to Your Program
You can also integrate LEGO® Education learning solutions into your educational programs.
Our team of experts is ready to help you enhance your curriculum and ensure maximum engagement for children aged 4 to 12.