This was originally published on the Boost Breakfast Blog
(http://www.boostcollaborative.com/breakfastclub)
I woke up early this morning in Washington DC where I am
attending a conference on School Counseling programs. We are working on a new program to
incorporate school counseling into our after school programs in order to
provide students the emotional support they need to succeed.
Despite my desire to linger in bed, I know I must get up in
order to have time to stand in line for 45 minutes at Market Lunch at the
Eastern Market to enjoy Blue Bucks (blueberry pancakes), eggs and
biscuits….yum! Even though I am in DC
for work, I am trying on this trip to see some sites as well. I have looked at many “things to see” lists
and read several “top 10 things to do” articles providing advice on the best
attractions in the nation’s Capitol.
As I walk to the Metro and get on the train, I began to
think about the important things to see and do in After School programs. There is so much good and important work
being done but if I had to boil it down into the key elements of successful
after school programs, what would they be?
Inspiration comes as I sit down with a table of kids and their parents
to enjoy my Market treats….
Top 5 After School Attractions (worth waiting in line for):
1. The
relationships. The success of After
School programs starts here. It is the
relationships developed between the program staff and students that make it so
special. The most important thing After
School does is connect students to caring adults who want to know them and
support their social and academic success.
It is seen in the program coordinator who asks child after child to read
them their story and provides each her rapt attention…encouraging at every
step. It is witnessed in the classroom
leader who spends time with the students finding out how their weekend was,
showing her interest in her wide smile and engaged eyes. It is the AmeriCorps member working
diligently with a student on her reading while inviting her to express herself
and take a chance. These relationships
are everything and you must see them when you visit.
2. The
creativity. We have such an opportunity
in after school to encourage creativity and expansive thinking in
students. You should come to see these
creative moments that happen every day in After School programs. It is in the little girl’s excitement at
making her own Amazonian Headdress. It
is the pride of expression as a boy performs his rap in honor of Dr. King and
his ideals.
3. The
play. Play is a must see in any After
School program. After School has the
ability to encourage play and provide opportunities for students to actively
engage in physical activities that build social skills, improve health, and
create joy! It is the excitement expressed by the boy who won a rousing game of
Jenga. It is in the students learning
the essential skills of volleyball, playing and learning together as a team.
4. The
discovery. After School has the unique
opportunity to expose children to new experiences, new ideas, and new places in
the community and world. You have to see
it when visiting After School. It is the
fun of learning seen when students use the KidzScience Falling and Flying kit to make parachutes and build rockets. It is a student’s experience of the wonder of
tidepools in a visit to the beach…for the first time.
5. The
growth. The most special thing to see in
After School is the growth of a student.
It is one of the most special sites.
It is seen in the “a-ha” moments during a science lesson on centrifugal
force. It is witnessed in the smile of
accomplishment when a student reaches a new reading level. It is clearly expressed in the boy who once
acted out who now has a leadership role in his class.
So, next time you’re visiting an After School program,
please note these must see attractions.
Or, if you haven’t been to a program in a while….get out there and see
the great work these wonderful professionals and their students are doing each
and every day!
