“The Power of Words—Kids Closing Café 826LA”
Los Angeles Times
By Sabrina Amaya
July 14, 2015
On July 8, 60 kids from ages 7 to 12 had the power to shut down Café 826LA. I could not believe it when I heard them chant together “Shut it down, shut it down!!” What was once believed the best café in Los Angeles had become the worst café in history and I had the opportunity to be part of it.
As I am an intern this summer at 826LA in Mar Vista, a non-profit dedicated to supporting students ages 6 to 18 with their creative and expository writing skills, and to helping teachers inspire their students to write, I have the honor of learning how educators plan and create lessons that encourage kids to have fun but learn at the same time. Being a teenager myself, I never knew the hard work it takes and the feeling of satisfaction once a lesson is completed. During the beginning of summer, the Summer Associates came together to create lessons based on specific themes like food, nature, science, arts and culture and time travel for the English Language Learner Camp. For five weeks, kids ages 7 to 12 come to camp and expand their knowledge.
The first week, Food Week, gave the kids a chance to learn about persuasive writing, sensory details, how to write restaurant reviews and much more. Summer Associate Jo Ellen, leader of Food Week, planned to open the worst café ever, so the kids could experience real-world scenarios. Café 826LA opened due to the generosity of the owner, Mrs. Barnacle, who gave the food for free. Jo Ellen, welcomed the kids and the worst waiters in the world sat the kids and that’s when the fun started.