If you have children that need practice with creative writing, check out this link with pictures and captions to kick off a writing adventure.
Depending on the task, creative writing can build many assets, including Commitment to Learning, Boundaries & Expectations, Positive Values, and Social Competencies.
Showing posts with label Educational Resources. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Educational Resources. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Monday, July 5, 2010
Friday, July 2, 2010
Nurturing Sparks - June Newsletter
June's Asset Messenger is now online. If you want to sign up for this free monthly newsletter, send your name, agency, and email address to ann@TheAssetEdge.net .
Happy Independence Weekend!
ann & susan
Happy Independence Weekend!
ann & susan
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Preview of "Great Group Games for Kids"
Our next book should be released within a few days, and we're waiting with anticipation. We are excited to announce sneak peeks of the book at our publisher's website. You can see them here. :)150 fun-filled games - all connecting to real life lessons in making friendships, getting along with others, respect, and other social skills that children need to thrive in relationships.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Kids Off the Couch - Creative Learning Adventures
This whimsical website connects media (movies/books) with super cool educational adventures. For example, they watch Charlie & the Chocolate Factory, then go visit a chocolate store to sample/judge chocolate flavors. After watching Bug's Life, they went to visit an insect zoo. After watching Field of Dreams, attend a baseball game. Read/watch Chronicles of Narnia, then plant a tree together.
They have paired together some very fun activities with classic and new films and books. My media savvy husband is going to love these ideas!
Wouldn't this be a super cool way to celebrate a great week of learning? Fantastical Fridays could be afternoons of learning and adventure all over town. How fun!
They have paired together some very fun activities with classic and new films and books. My media savvy husband is going to love these ideas!
Wouldn't this be a super cool way to celebrate a great week of learning? Fantastical Fridays could be afternoons of learning and adventure all over town. How fun!
Monday, June 28, 2010
Sneak Some Math into Summer Vacation
Looking for sneaky ways to weave math into your children's brains? Read these simple ideas from Preteenagers Today. From money-making ventures to baseball stats to maps, these will get your child's math gears churning without realizing their doing math!
Monday, June 21, 2010
Tips to Help Your Child Avoid Summer Brain Drain
This article from Children Today shares creative ideas for integrating academic skills into summer life - at the pool, on vacation, in the kitchen, playing games...
Friday, June 18, 2010
Exploring Space without Leaving Home
If you know kids that are fascinated with space, go explore NASA's interactive website with games, worksheets, and lesson plans - all free!
Monday, June 14, 2010
Reading Helps Plug the Summer Brain Drain
Summer brain drain. It's what happens during the long, hot summer months when kids who are out of school, forget a lot of what they learned in class.
What's a parent to do? Experts agree: Reading helps to plug that summer brain drain. And parents – who serve as role models for lots of different behaviors – can help their kids develop a love for reading, as well.
Read the rest of this article from Connect with Kids here.
What's a parent to do? Experts agree: Reading helps to plug that summer brain drain. And parents – who serve as role models for lots of different behaviors – can help their kids develop a love for reading, as well.
Read the rest of this article from Connect with Kids here.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Preschool Science: Learning at the Park!
This Education.com article is full of easy ideas to get your kids excited about science. http://www.education.com/magazine/article/preschool-science-park/?cid=90.002
Building the "Commitment to Learning" Asset starts with making learning relevant and fun!
Building the "Commitment to Learning" Asset starts with making learning relevant and fun!
Friday, May 7, 2010
Kids on the Block
Kids on the Block offers a series of age-appropriate and interactive programs for students in grades K-6. I've included information on their Nashville program, but you can also explore programs offered in your area at their national site.
Sticks and Stones (Kindergarten - 25 minutes) - This program was developed for younger audiences to educate, as well as hold their attention. The presentation is a short puppet show on teasing and name-calling followed by a visual and interactive session between the puppeteers and children dealing with how painful anf unforgettable bullying can be.
Problem Solving (1st grade - 25 minutes) - This program features two friends who are fighting over who actually owns a video that they purchased together. With the help of an older brother and the audience, the characters are able to figure out a solution by using the problem-solving process. The program helps children understand there are many ways to solve a problem. It also teaches a simple technique to calm down and get control so that they can make smart and safe decisions.
Divorce (1st or 2nd grade) - From a child's perspective, this program is about an 11 year old girl whose parents have recently divorced. She talks about all of her feelings with her friend as well as with her mother. She's even able to talk to her mother about feeling caught in the middle.
Awareness of Differences (2nd grade) - The goal of this program is to promote understanding and acceptance of every individual regardless of their differences. The presentation shows that everyone is different. It teaches children to embrace differences rather than to bully someone because of them. This presentation includes visual differences such as cerebral palsy, blindness and deafness. New in 2009, KOB is now offering a program on Autism as an alternative to one of the other 3 subjects currently presented.
Awareness of Differences (3rd grade) - This program deals with differences of all kinds: medical, mental, cultural, and physical.
Child Abuse Prevention (3rd grade) - This program empowers students to identify child abuse and neglect, to learn what to do in an abusive situation, and to learn how to say "No!" It also provides guidance and emotional support to children who have been abused.
Growing Up Healthy (3rd or 4th grade) - This topic was developed to educate children about the relationship between food and physical movement; and how they affect weight and health. The program promotes sensitivity, understanding and acceptance of differences in all body types.
Gift of Life (4th grade) - This program explains organ and tissue donation and discusses coping with death in a family. It identifies the stages of grieving letting children know it is alright to talk about their feelings.
Bullying Prevention (4th grade) - The focus of this presenation is conflict resolution and problem solving. This educational curriculum has been designed to explain and define bullying, introduce problem solving techniques, and encourage children to talk about their feelings as well as voice their concerns in unjust situations. The program challenges bystanders to speak up for their fellow classmates.
Prejudice Prevention (5th grade) - Prevention of stereotyping and prejudice is the focus of this program. The curriculum is designed to increase awareness and acceptance of human similarities and differences, encourage students to reject unacceptable bullying behavior in others, and suggest ways for students to work together to stop bullying and prejudice.
HIV/AIDS Prevention (5th grade) - This abstinence-based program includes a description of the disease, defines high risk behaviors including drug and alcohol use, discusses myths about the spread of AIDS, describes values and choices, and demonstrates compassion for a person who is dying.
Teen Pregnancy and Substance Abuse Prevention (6th grade) - This is an abstinence-based program teaching that sex is a responsible adult choice. The presentation educates students on substance abuse and how a person who is using drugs could make choices that they wouldn't normally make. It introduces students to critical thinking, problem solving, and negotiation skills.
Sticks and Stones (Kindergarten - 25 minutes) - This program was developed for younger audiences to educate, as well as hold their attention. The presentation is a short puppet show on teasing and name-calling followed by a visual and interactive session between the puppeteers and children dealing with how painful anf unforgettable bullying can be.
Problem Solving (1st grade - 25 minutes) - This program features two friends who are fighting over who actually owns a video that they purchased together. With the help of an older brother and the audience, the characters are able to figure out a solution by using the problem-solving process. The program helps children understand there are many ways to solve a problem. It also teaches a simple technique to calm down and get control so that they can make smart and safe decisions.
Divorce (1st or 2nd grade) - From a child's perspective, this program is about an 11 year old girl whose parents have recently divorced. She talks about all of her feelings with her friend as well as with her mother. She's even able to talk to her mother about feeling caught in the middle.
Awareness of Differences (2nd grade) - The goal of this program is to promote understanding and acceptance of every individual regardless of their differences. The presentation shows that everyone is different. It teaches children to embrace differences rather than to bully someone because of them. This presentation includes visual differences such as cerebral palsy, blindness and deafness. New in 2009, KOB is now offering a program on Autism as an alternative to one of the other 3 subjects currently presented.
Awareness of Differences (3rd grade) - This program deals with differences of all kinds: medical, mental, cultural, and physical.
Child Abuse Prevention (3rd grade) - This program empowers students to identify child abuse and neglect, to learn what to do in an abusive situation, and to learn how to say "No!" It also provides guidance and emotional support to children who have been abused.
Growing Up Healthy (3rd or 4th grade) - This topic was developed to educate children about the relationship between food and physical movement; and how they affect weight and health. The program promotes sensitivity, understanding and acceptance of differences in all body types.
Gift of Life (4th grade) - This program explains organ and tissue donation and discusses coping with death in a family. It identifies the stages of grieving letting children know it is alright to talk about their feelings.
Bullying Prevention (4th grade) - The focus of this presenation is conflict resolution and problem solving. This educational curriculum has been designed to explain and define bullying, introduce problem solving techniques, and encourage children to talk about their feelings as well as voice their concerns in unjust situations. The program challenges bystanders to speak up for their fellow classmates.
Prejudice Prevention (5th grade) - Prevention of stereotyping and prejudice is the focus of this program. The curriculum is designed to increase awareness and acceptance of human similarities and differences, encourage students to reject unacceptable bullying behavior in others, and suggest ways for students to work together to stop bullying and prejudice.
HIV/AIDS Prevention (5th grade) - This abstinence-based program includes a description of the disease, defines high risk behaviors including drug and alcohol use, discusses myths about the spread of AIDS, describes values and choices, and demonstrates compassion for a person who is dying.
Teen Pregnancy and Substance Abuse Prevention (6th grade) - This is an abstinence-based program teaching that sex is a responsible adult choice. The presentation educates students on substance abuse and how a person who is using drugs could make choices that they wouldn't normally make. It introduces students to critical thinking, problem solving, and negotiation skills.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Research on Recess: The State of Play
When most people talk about how to improve education, they tend to focus only on what happens in the classroom. But a new Gallup poll of elementary school principals suggests that the most unexpected opportunity to boost learning may exist outside on the playground at recess.
Key findings from the survey include:
• Four out of five principals report that recess has a positive impact on academic achievement.
• Two-thirds of principals report that students listen better after recess and are more focused in class.
• Virtually all believe that recess has a positive impact on children’s social development (96 percent) and general well-being (97 percent).
Read the full survey here and an article about the survey here.
Key findings from the survey include:
• Four out of five principals report that recess has a positive impact on academic achievement.
• Two-thirds of principals report that students listen better after recess and are more focused in class.
• Virtually all believe that recess has a positive impact on children’s social development (96 percent) and general well-being (97 percent).
Read the full survey here and an article about the survey here.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Building Character Through Athletics
Are you searching for ways to build character through your athletic programs? If so, consider reading "Pursuing Victory With Honor: Arizona Sports Summit Accord Implementation Strategies". It's a PDF document filled with strategies for building character through athletic programming.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Free Resource for Teaching Cooking to Your Students
Jackie Contreras (615-862-5995) with the TSU Cooperative Extension does a great job of teaching cooking in afterschool programs. She has a grant that allows her to do this without a fee AND she brings food with her!
Learning about nutrition is among proven “best practices” for out of school time programs, along with serving nutritious snacks. For more information, read this article: Research-Based Recommendations to Improve Child Nutrition in Schools and Out-of-School Time Programs
Learning about nutrition is among proven “best practices” for out of school time programs, along with serving nutritious snacks. For more information, read this article: Research-Based Recommendations to Improve Child Nutrition in Schools and Out-of-School Time Programs
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Incorporating Technology Into Out-Of-School Time Programs
From ChildTrends
Technology and technologically-based learning environments are extending student learning beyond the conventional classroom. A new Child Trends brief, Incorporating Technology Into Out-Of-School Time Programs, draws on results from research and from practitioners' insights to outline the benefits, challenges, and strategies associated with using technology in out-of-school time programs. Among the uses of technology found to be especially beneficial in out-of-school programs:
Computer-based reading intervention programs have been used to successfully supplement children's in-class reading and build comprehension.
Program participants can use computer-based programs to follow developments over time, whether it is how plants are growing or how a community service project is progressing.
Video technology can involve program participants in the exploration of their world through filmmaking, digital artwork, and online instruction.
The brief also provides additional resources for programs interested in incorporating technology into their activities and profiles a technology-based out-of-school time program.
Technology and technologically-based learning environments are extending student learning beyond the conventional classroom. A new Child Trends brief, Incorporating Technology Into Out-Of-School Time Programs, draws on results from research and from practitioners' insights to outline the benefits, challenges, and strategies associated with using technology in out-of-school time programs. Among the uses of technology found to be especially beneficial in out-of-school programs:
Computer-based reading intervention programs have been used to successfully supplement children's in-class reading and build comprehension.
Program participants can use computer-based programs to follow developments over time, whether it is how plants are growing or how a community service project is progressing.
Video technology can involve program participants in the exploration of their world through filmmaking, digital artwork, and online instruction.
The brief also provides additional resources for programs interested in incorporating technology into their activities and profiles a technology-based out-of-school time program.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Free Resources: Discovery Education's Spring Virtual Conference
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Conference theme: Connect the Thoughts. The free professional development seminars will focus on providing attendees the skills and techniques they need to connect digital content and educational technology in a fashion that maximizes each resource and improves student engagement, according to the announcement.The sessions will be delivered via webcast to conference attendees. In addition to attending the Virtual Conference online, participants have the opportunity to attend in-person regional events hosted by the DEN Leadership Councils. Those attending in-person gatherings will participate in the online presentations, as well as breakout sessions presented by local STAR Discovery Educators.
For a detailed agenda, click here.
Read the complete press release here.
Conference theme: Connect the Thoughts. The free professional development seminars will focus on providing attendees the skills and techniques they need to connect digital content and educational technology in a fashion that maximizes each resource and improves student engagement, according to the announcement.The sessions will be delivered via webcast to conference attendees. In addition to attending the Virtual Conference online, participants have the opportunity to attend in-person regional events hosted by the DEN Leadership Councils. Those attending in-person gatherings will participate in the online presentations, as well as breakout sessions presented by local STAR Discovery Educators.
For a detailed agenda, click here.
Read the complete press release here.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Our team will be presenting 3 workshops at the TCAC Resident Initiatives Program in Pigeon Forge next month. The conference is titled “Leadership: The Missing Link”. This leadership training opportunity is specifically coordinated to address the unique issues and challenges faced by housing advocates, volunteers, resident leaders, and resident services staff serving in public housing communities across the country. Topics will include Project Planning, Conflict Mediation, Health & Wellness, Developing Partnerships and more. More information is available at www.tcac1.org by clicking on the "Programs" tab and then clicking "Resident Initiatives".
If you need more incentive, the registration includes lodging at one of the indoor/outdoor waterparks in the beautiful Smoky Mountains. So you can enjoy a family vacation combined with a professional development opportunity! Learning, networking, laughter, and relaxation all rolled together into one great conference!
If you need more incentive, the registration includes lodging at one of the indoor/outdoor waterparks in the beautiful Smoky Mountains. So you can enjoy a family vacation combined with a professional development opportunity! Learning, networking, laughter, and relaxation all rolled together into one great conference!
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Helpful Hints in Dealing With Different Areas Of Conflict
Some people seem to thrive on conflict, but not me! Conflict truly makes me feel like a fish out of water. But it's a part of life in the real world, so I was grateful to find these tips on dealing with conflict. They come from the website of one of our partnering organizations - Tennessee's Community Assistance Corporation.
Teamwork - How To Deal With Conflict
Reacting To Difficult Types of People
If You Must Criticize Someone
Do you have other favorite resources for teaching adults and youth how to deal with conflict? We'd love to learn from you!
Teamwork - How To Deal With Conflict
Reacting To Difficult Types of People
If You Must Criticize Someone
Do you have other favorite resources for teaching adults and youth how to deal with conflict? We'd love to learn from you!
Thursday, April 1, 2010
"Igniting the Hidden Strengths of Young People" Symposium
April 21, 2010
8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Trevecca Nazarene University's Boone Center in Nashville, Tennessee
cost: $8 per person (includes lunch)
Learn what SPARKS are and why they matter as Mary Ackerman, Director of External Affairs from Search Institute, shares key findings from their latest research on awakening the spark that lives inside each and every young person.
Participants will explore the power of youth being able to name their SPARK, identify adults who support them, what we can do to promote opportunities for youth to practice sparks, and the role sparks play in giving youth their voice. Attendees will also engage in SPARK conversations and delve more deeply into the practicalities of putting SPARKS to work across Nashville.
“When kids can name a spark, every outcome you and I care about changes dramatically” - Peter Benson, President & CEO of Search Institute
For Registration information, click here.
Sponsors & Partners:
J.V. Morsch Center for Social Justice
YMCA Center for Asset Development
OJJDP
Oasis Center
STARS
YLLC
8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Trevecca Nazarene University's Boone Center in Nashville, Tennessee
cost: $8 per person (includes lunch)
Learn what SPARKS are and why they matter as Mary Ackerman, Director of External Affairs from Search Institute, shares key findings from their latest research on awakening the spark that lives inside each and every young person.
Participants will explore the power of youth being able to name their SPARK, identify adults who support them, what we can do to promote opportunities for youth to practice sparks, and the role sparks play in giving youth their voice. Attendees will also engage in SPARK conversations and delve more deeply into the practicalities of putting SPARKS to work across Nashville.
“When kids can name a spark, every outcome you and I care about changes dramatically” - Peter Benson, President & CEO of Search Institute
For Registration information, click here.
Sponsors & Partners:
J.V. Morsch Center for Social Justice
YMCA Center for Asset Development
OJJDP
Oasis Center
STARS
YLLC
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Free Professional Development Opportunities for April 2010
Sponsored by Nashville After Zone Alliance (NAZA)
Location: Downtown YMCA in Nashville, TN
Register: NAZA staff: use the ERO for registration. Non NAZA staff: Contact Shai to register: 259.9672 or mailto:orsrasmussen@midtn.org. Priority will be given to NAZA partners, so register quickly!
Tuesday April 6th
Service Learning
Susan Ragsdale/Ann Saylor
10-12noon
Learn interactive tools for helping youth discover their passions and purpose and key strategies for planning meaningful interactive projects.
Wednesday, April 7th
Youth Engagement
Louisa Avery
10-12noon
Learn strategies on implementing youth voice, choice, planning and reflection.
Friday, April 9th (back-to-back trainings)
Youth Interaction
Louisa Avery
1:30-3:30 p.m.
Build community, belonging and techniques for creating youth interaction.
Great Group Games: Building Relationships
Susan Ragsdale
3:30 – 5:00 p.m.
Learn “play with purpose” game strategies to further build relationships and a sense of team within your group.
Tuesday, April 13th:
Introduction to Positive Youth Development for Volunteers
Susan Ragsdale & Louisa Avery
5:30-7:30pm
Volunteers will explore the 5 principles, adolescent development and the 40 assets.
Thursday, April 15th
Introduction to the 40 Developmental Assets
Ann Saylor
10-12noon
Learn strategies to intentionally build the 40 assets into your programs and introduce them to your youth.
Questions? Contact: louisa@louisaavery.com or susan@theassetedge.net
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