BYU-I Education Week teaches children life lessons
Brigham Young University-Idaho’s annual “Education Week” is in full swing. More than 60 teachers at BYU-I, along with others from the Eastern Idaho area and nearby states will present. Teachers will address a variety of general and religious topics. Over 2,500 people are expected to be in attendance. Thursday marked the 24th year week.
“It’s a fun family thing to do and our theme is strengthening the individuals and family through lifelong learning,” said Judy Steiner, the director of education.
Children and teens will have the opportunity to participate in Education Week through age-specific classes and activities. Talented youth facilitators provide great learning experiences and engaging activities for children and youth ages 6 to 17-years-old.
With so many teachers and a spectrum of topics and activities, there was a lot to learn from.
“You get out of it what you want to get out of it,” Steiner said. “If you want self-improvement classes, we have those. If you want religion classes, we have those too. If you want one on how to raise your teenager, we have those. If you’re a teenager and want to know ‘how do I balance life’ and ‘how do I make this work?’ We have this classes too.”
Children and teens who have been to prior education weeks enjoy the classes that appealed to their age range. One class in particular, “Rules of Dating (Don’t Fall Through Thin Ice),” saw many kids in attendance.
“I think it fits in really good with the youth that attend here it’s what’s important to them,” said Bruce Cook, the speaker for “Rules of Dating (Don’t Fall Through Thin Ice).” It’s what they’re living right now. It’s what they’re thinking about right now. I can tell some of them, they want to know where the guidelines are, they want to know what the boundaries are.”
To which students agree.
“I’m about to start dating, like more, and its good to know what you’re getting into,” said Alysie Weideman.
These youth classes don’t just deal with dating, but topics like struggling to fit in, leaving home for the first time, prepping for life after high school, and more.
The lessons taught stick with these kids for years.
“I have like my notebooks full of them, of just all the notes for just all the classes I’ve taken and I can just go back and it’s amazing and helps me in hard times,” said Breanne Twede.
Whether people come with friends or come alone, education week hopes to bring life lessons to all who attend.
This year’s keynote and devotional speakers include author Dean Hughes, author and public speaker Al Fox Carraway, University Resources Vice President Jeff Morrin, and Associate Academic Vice President Rob Eaton.
Education week will continue Friday and Saturday, with a special concert Friday night featuring Lexie Walker. Special discount tickets are available to those who attend education week, but the concert is open to the public.
Tickets for education week are $35. Children under 5 get in for free.
