A Discussion Forum Started by Tasha in San Diego, California (FYI--this has been brought over from the former site-After-School-Care.com)
Every site leader or staff member wants to brag a little about their sites! I know, I'm one of them. Let's use this discussion thread as a chance to brag about what you do every day! And you never know...a new idea for you may come of it it!!
I'll go first:
I'm so proud of my accomplishments at this site that I'm at. I have almost 100% of my students turning in their homework to their teachers all because I started STAR (Students Taking Academic Responsibility) of the Month Club. Basically students have to eliminate the amount of days they miss the program and turn in their assignments and if they miss school make those assignments up. So far, it has changed my kids idea of homework completely around! They want to do it to be a part of the club and do the special club activities. Tasha
____________________________Posted: 2/24/2009
This is a question to the above-
Tasha,
I'd like a little more info. I know the teachers at our schools, would LOVE a more structured, fun way in doing more with homework--the parents probably would too! Any more info??? Thank You...AND...
Thinking about it, I'd like to brag because our kids are REALLY HAPPY AND LOOK FORWARD TO COMING each day!
We previously had a pretty average program with low attendance. Our enrollment for this year has just about doubled! (Word really spreads when something is fun!)
Last fall we started a "theme" curriculum-which we call 'clubs'. The kids sign up for three that they would like to do each semester; they rotate every 4-6 weeks between the clubs. We have a different 'club' three days a week. Sometimes we throw in another day if it's something that will last only 2 or 3 weeks.
It's all planned at the beginning of the school-year and again in January. All staff are doing what they 'like to do' and so are the kids. The club usually meets for about 45 minutes and the remainer of time has outside, gym, an art/craft, homework, manipulatives, etc. (I get lots of ideas from this site!)
I think the addition of 'clubs' has made a difference. Both staff and kids are a lot more involved in a variety of things- -- no more 'I'm bored.'
It's a little more work up-front-but easier in the long run. Now that kids are having more fun, everything seems to be easier!
Carolyn/Ohio
___________________________Posted: 2/24/2009
At my site we have language clubs such as Korean Club and Spanish Club. One of our caregivers is from Korea, so she met with children once a week and taught them how to say various common words and phrases in Korean.
I have also done Spanish Club with the children, even though I am not a native Spanish speaker. I showed them Spanish speaking countries on a world map. I taught them the words for different colors and we played Twister in Spanish! Another week I taught them the words for different types of foods and then we all made Spanish rice together. Surprisingly, even though it had tomatoes in it, the children loved it and wanted seconds!
These activities are great opportunities to incorporate cultural diversity into your program. Plus it makes learning fun because the children are actively involved in games and cooking projects. It gives them something to be proud of when they accomplish something that they have never done before. Not only are they able to learn a new language, but they develop self confidence because they can see the success of their efforts.
Lia from Michigan:)
__________________________ 2/25/2009
I'd like to brag about the staff I have!
A "shout out" for all they do.
I'm a program director and although I have the responsibility of managing my site, staff is constantly amazing me! They bring all of their interests and "formally and in the spur of the moment" share all of themselves and interests with the children.
Program planning has never been better or easier! As Carolyn said a couple posts above--they're doing what they like-and it shows! Both staff and children are truly happy!
Thank you to Tod, Rachel and Lanette! I don't know what the kids and I would do without you!
Sincerely,
Sharon Kelly
________________________3/4/2009
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