PennWest California hosted its annual STREAMfest, an educational event designed to give future teachers hands-on experience creating and delivering engaging, standards-based lessons for young learners. 

Approximately 60 PennWest students majoring in early childhood and elementary education participated in the event, working in small groups to design interactive activities that blend play with cross-curricular learning. About 50 children from the Rutledge Institute for Early Childhood Education at PennWest and The Village in California borough took part in the activities. 

STREAMfest, held at PennWest California since 2015, focuses on STREAM concepts — science, technology, reading, engineering, arts and mathematics — and encourages teacher candidates to translate academic standards into creative, developmentally appropriate experiences. 

Under the direction of Dr. Clover Wright, associate professor of early childhood education, the event serves as a key step in the teacher preparation process. 

“This is step two in the process,” Wright said. “First, our students teach lessons to each other. Now, they are teaching a lesson to a group of children, and next they will head into the field to gain experience in a classroom setting.” 

Student-created activities included lessons on concepts such as kinetic energy through games like tug-of-war, as well as sensory stations using materials like noodles, cotton balls, stuffed animals and gummy worms to support tactile learning. 

For many participants, STREAMfest offers a preview of their upcoming field experiences. 

“These activities give us a little window into what our field experience is going to be like,” said Jake Patterson, a sophomore from West Greene, Pennsylvania. 

Tasha Rakip, a senior from South Park, Pennsylvania, who previously studied engineering, said the experience reinforces the fast-paced nature of teaching. 

“I work at a preschool in Bethel Park and am used to making lesson plans — you have to be quick and adaptable,” Rakip said. “It’s great to have the Rutledge Institute and The Village here so we can have these experiences right on our campus.” 

Laura Mildren, a junior from Fairchance, Pennsylvania, pursuing a dual major in early childhood and special education, said the event also emphasizes the importance of aligning lessons with educational standards. 

“Everything we planned for today has to relate to an educational standard,” Mildren said. “I’m really interested in working in learning support or autistic support, so experiences like this are really valuable.” 

Following STREAMfest, participating PennWest students will begin month-long preschool field placements at sites across the region, including the Mon Valley YMCA and Blueprints in the Morrisville and Waynesburg areas. 

The event reflects PennWest’s commitment to experiential learning, ensuring students gain practical, real-world experience before entering the classroom as educators. 

Pictured: PennWest California early childhood education majors Tasha Rakip, left, a senior, and Jake Patterson, a sophomore, work with local preschool children at the Education Department's annual STREAMfest.