It’s been nearly a year and a since the colorful parachute waved through the air at Benedum Civic Center – tiny students huddled under in in delight.

 

The scene described is a gathering of Bridgeport Parks and Recreation Little Explorers, a preschool- and elementary school-age science class taught by Anita Jesmer.

 

Focusing on topics such as outer space, safari animals, endangered species and many other topics, Little Explorers has been a staple class of the city’s parks and recreation department for several years.

 

That stopped in early 2020, when the COVID pandemic came about. Jesmer said she is delighted to be bringing back the class, which sets a good foundation of science for area children and provides a fun hands-on learning and networking opportunity for little ones.

 

The next round of weekly classes is set to begin 6-7 p.m. Wed., Sept. 8 and 10-11 a.m. Thurs., Sept. 9. The sessions are open to kids ages 3-8. The topic, Jessmer said, is Oceanology.

 

“We’ll discuss characteristics and the environment of sea turtles, starfish, sharks and tropical fish,” she said. “We’ll make sea turtle figurines, wooden starfishes, real shark tooth necklaces and more.”

 

Registration must be completed by Aug. 30 at Benedum Civic Center, where classes will be held for four consecutive weeks on the designated class day (Wed. evening or Thurs. morning). The fee for the session is $45 per student. Interested parents may also call 304-842-8240 to register or obtain more information.

 

Parents are required to be present during most of the class period and masks are required for all participants to prevent the spread of illness.

 

Jessmer said she has missed teaching the children and has received inquiries about when the classes would resume. She can be reached for questions by calling 304-669-6416.