"There's no school like freedom schools. Reading books is really cool. Gaining knowledge through the words. I'm down with the freedom schools haven't you heard? I'm down, are you down?" These were the lyrics to a song that kids would sing almost every single day. This summer I was blessed to be apart of a movement that required me to devote my everlasting love to 83 students. My cite was Shalom Park, which is located in Charlotte, North Carolina. I had about 10 students in my class. Every school year these kids are selected from their teachers or principals to spend six weeks in a program that was called Freedom Schools. Freedom Schools wasn't like any other summer program. We all know in some schools, well actually all schools, there are rules that students have to follow. At Freedom Schools there weren't any rules, there were expectations that we wanted our students to achieve. Also, our students are not just called students. They were called scholars. Like I said before, Freedom Schools isn't like other schools. It is a place where students were learning how to enjoy reading and to gain knowledge while doing it.

I was a teacher/intern to my 10 scholars. My job was to give my scholars the chance to express their thoughts about anything that may come to their mind while reading. My job was also to encourage the scholars to read! Letting them know that reading gives you knowledge that you will hold on for the rest of your life. Gaining knowledge is very important. That's why we wanted our scholars to practice their reading so they can become great readers, and of course to gain knowledge to further their education. In order for us to do that, we had to give them confidence in themselves and to use engaging activities to get them more interested in the books. I've gained wonderful relationships with my scholars. Not only were they learning from me, but I was also learning from them.

Freedom Schools is such a wonderful program. Our children are the future, and we need to be more aware of it. Reading is cool. You gain knowledge through the words. That was their favorite song and kept them motivated throughout the entire 6 weeks. Being part of Freedom Schools was such a wonderful experience. It truly made my summer the best summer yet. Are you down with the Freedom Schools? I know I