Preschoolers get exposure to SU campus, students, faculty

On Monday, Oct. 30, the Southern University History Department extended an invitation to the Freeman Matthews Preschool, located near Louisiana State University, to expose the children of tomorrow to the university.
According to Veronica Freeman, a history professor at Southern, the preschoolers were invited to remind them that Southern University does exist, especially since the majority of the children are African-American.
The students arrived at the Southern University Museum of Art (SUMA) at 9:30 a.m. and participated in a number of activities coordinated by Freeman. Some of which consisted of kick ball, a relay race and a game of dodge ball on the lawn of Mayberry Dining Hall.
Following the sports activities, the children migrated to Higgins Hall where they prepared for lunch and were entertained by a hired magician.
“We wanted the children to take part in educational experiences which involved activities dealing with arts and crafts, the art museum, sports and touring several campus departments,” said Sandra Johnson, supervisor for the preschool center.
“It gave us an opportunity to collaborate with the university,” Johnson said.
Many Southern students took time out of their schedule to assist the children during their visit.
“I interacted with the children by playing recreational sports and preparing their lunches,” said India Johnson, a senior psychology major from Compton, Calif. “When I talked to some of the kids they told me they were having fun.”
Jarmica Andrews, a junior education major from LaPlace said, “I liked playing with the children. It gives me joy because you can get on their level, especially because I want to have kids of my own some day.”
For everyone involved, the visit turned out to be a success, in which the staff and the children seemed to be pleased.
“I feel that the visit was very successful,” Johnson said. “The children were given the opportunity to be exposed to a wonderful environment and to participate in developmental appropriate activities for preschool children.”
“We want to thank Mrs. Veronica Freeman for making the field trip possible,” she said. “They (the preschoolers) truly enjoyed their day, and the magic show put the icing on the cake.”