Afterschool Answers

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.

Camille Diaz Curricubits, Curriculum, Materials Materials, resources

How do I save money on materials for our afterschool program?  It seems like we’re always running out.

Materials are always a struggle for afterschool programs.  You want to get good materials for your students but they are expensive and your budge it limited.  When you do spend the money the materials disappear in less than a week and you are right back where you started.  You already know about shopping around for bargains, so here are three more strategies to help you make the most of your supply dollars.

1. Repurpose

Find ways to use the same materials for different activities.  For example if you purchase a specialty item like a set of pastel chalks you can have your students can use them to draw mountains when you teach a Geology theme and again to make leaf rubbings when you teach a Plants theme. Read more…

Camille Diaz Materials budget, Logistics, Materials, supplies