SEL Series: Get Started with SEL

Get Started with SEL: #SELFORCT, #CTAfterschoolNetwork #We love SEL You need resources, well here you go? I created this list to help educators GET STARTED WITH SEL. These resources are easy to integrate into your busy after school schedules.  In addition to getting started, we want to see SEL in ACTION! Post pictures, including short […]

Read More

SEL Series: SEL Assessment Tools – The DESSA

When finding the right assessment tool to measure students’ social and emotional learning skills after school, professionals will run into a few challenges.  Adhering to SEL standards will ensure accountability and assist with helping educators plan, assess and support student learning. However, with so many assessment tools to pick from educators are left scratching our […]

Read More

SEL Series: Girls and Boys Brains Learn Differently

In Arizona this past weekend,  I presented at workshops in a conference called “Excellence, 2018 School’s Out, Make It Count”. Along with presenting, I attended an excellent workshop called ” Boys and Girls Learn Differently.” The seminar centered on brain-based educational research and techniques that can be used in classrooms that help children learn better.  […]

Read More

SEL Series: SEL Snack Attack- Kid President’s 25 Reasons to Be Thankful!

Simple mini SEL lessons to make afterschool snack time fun Teaching children gratitude can be trick thing. Even adults have a rough time remembering to be grateful. We get caught up in our daily lives and forget to be thankful for what we have. Watch- Kid President’s 25 Reasons to Be Thankful! It is a […]

Read More

#GeoChallenge

What Will You Do to Save the Planet? Take the #GeoChallenge!   Did you know that 500 million plastic straws are used every day? Eight million tons of plastic flow into the ocean every year? We need creative and actionable ideas from young people to literally save the planet.

Read More

SEL Series: SEL at Home

Have you ever heard something that shifted your perspective? While away at an afterschool conference, I acquired one of the most valuable pieces of wisdom on parenting that continues to guide me now. When I attended the workshop at the conference, I was a young single parent raising a seven-year-old daughter. I worked from 8:30 a.m. […]

Read More

Mastering the “Super CLASP”

If there is anything I’ve learned at the Network it has been the deeper meaning to most of the things we do here. Ken created a new version of CLASP he calls “SUPER CLASP” (really known as “Moving toward Mastery”).  He’s a funny guy and pretty darned smart….but humble.  I’ve been trying to figure out […]

Read More

Educators Appreciation Day

SAVE THE DATE! Educators Appreciation Day at Mystic Seaport Museum Saturday, October 20, 2018 (rain or shine) Join us for Educators Appreciation Day at Mystic Seaport Museum on October 20th.  All teachers, administrators, homeschoolers, paraprofessionals, afterschool professionals, and their families (up to four people total with teacher ID) will receive free Mystic Seaport Museum admission.

Read More

SEL Series: Snack Attack – Never Give Up!

Simple mini SEL lessons to make afterschool snack time fun During snack time, or whenever you need a short activity, have student watch the short animated film, “Soar,” set to Sia’s song “Never Give Up” With each new experience, growing young minds are always discovering and learning how to find their place in this big […]

Read More

19th Annual Lights On After School

Celebrate the 19th annual Lights On Afterschool Oct. 25, 2018! Launched in October 2000, Lights On Afterschool is the only nationwide event celebrating afterschool programs and their important role in the lives of children, families and communities. The effort has become a hallmark of the afterschool movement and generates media coverage across the country each year.  The Afterschool Alliance […]

Read More