Afterschool Answers » Curriculum

Focus on Fun

Camille Diaz — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 15:48:57 +0000

As the new school year begins we all start dreaming about how much good stuff we’re going to get done this year. We have plans to make sure students learn and that everyone follows the rules and that everything goes just so. While you’re making all your plans, don’t forget to plan for some fun. Remember to make afterschool a place where students are happy, a place where they want to be after a full day at school.

This year make plans to start a sports league, or a drama program, or a dance group. One of your group leaders probably has experience and would love to be in charge of such an activity. If you have a little money in the budget you can try a project like Lego® Robotics or building a giant 2D (or even 3D) puzzle. And of course, don’t forget about service learning projects.

Don’t give up on the teaching and learning! Find activities for your afterschool program that include both learning and fun so you can keep your students always wanting more and coming back week after week.

What fun stuff do you have planned for this new school year? Comment and share with us

CASRC: A Resource for California Afterschool Programs

Camille Diaz — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 22:12:44 +0000

Administered for the California Department of Education “the California After School Resource Center (CASRC, “cas-rac”) provides access to a comprehensive set of reviewed materials, resources, trainings, tools, and supportive services for after school programs.” Before a resource is added to the CASRC Library it is reviewed by the CASRC Materials Review Board for school appropriateness, research-based features and alignment to standards.

On their website www.californiaafterschool.org you can browse the 12 topics in their Resource Library or perform a search if you are looking for something specific. Topics include mathematics, reading/language arts and physical activity as you would expect, but also behavior management, nutrition, program administration, youth development, and more. You can also request a copy of their catalog (published annually).

Once registered, you can add any item from their collection to your loan list and it will be shipped to you (anywhere in California), free of charge, on the date you requested (pending availability). You can use the materials for up to four weeks and then you ship them back.

This is such an easy way to get quality reviewed materials to use in your afterschool program for just the cost of one-way shipping. Check out the website and start checking out materials.

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My afterschool curriculum which I publish on my website Curricubits was recently reviewed by CASRC and added to the Resource Library. The Oceans, Geology, and Family themes are available for checkout.

Bridging the Learning Gap

Camille Diaz — Fri, 22 May 2009 04:41:37 +0000

I had dinner a few weeks ago with a friend of mine who is a regular-day teacher. She told me that her principal is discouraging teachers at her school from teaching any science or social studies unless their entire class is testing at proficient or above on their state tests. I had suspected this was the case in some schools, but I was shocked to have my suspicions confirmed. While this is a terrible downturn for our students, this brings a huge challenge – and responsibility – to light for Afterschool. With testing and budget pressures forcing regular day teachers to continue to narrow their focus, It is now up to those of us in Afterschool to offer engaging, hands on, standards based curriculum in subjects where students are missing out such as science, art, social studies, music, and fitness.

View this as an opportunity to broaden your reach. Instead of spending all of your time working on homework or repetitive crafts, start teaching what your students are missing and make your program an invaluable part of your students’ learning. Engage them with new standards based lessons in subjects they don’t normally get to experience. This may sound difficult or time consuming but it doesn’t have to be. Curriculum is already available at places such as Curricubits. Materials can be inexpensive and easy to find if you are able to get creative in how you use them.

By teaching new and exciting material to your students, you can truly make a difference in their learning. Increased general knowledge and a positive attachment to school improves students regular-day attendance and boosts their test scores. Your program can be the place parents turn to help provide their children with a more well-rounded education. If you communicate with parents about all the wonderful things you are teaching in Afterschool, word will spread and your program will never have an empty slot for long.

Go ahead! Leave a comment and tell me what you think.

Holiday Teaching Opportunities

Camille Diaz — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 15:32:49 +0000

Holidays are great. Everyone gets to celebrate and there are always loads of fun crafts to do. While you’re gearing up to do some of those crafts, take a moment to teach at the same time. Put together a lesson that includes a history of the holiday or one that focuses on a new art technique or style. Perhaps you could discuss some family traditions or several different cultures. Don’t fall into the trap of just cutting out big hearts or shamrocks or stars or whatever to decorate and stick on the wall. The holiday gives you a hook to get students interested – don’t pass up a golden teaching opportunity.