SEL Series – Movies that Teach Empathy

Three Great Movies that Teach Empathy for Middle School Students The right movie can provoke thought, stir our emotions, and spark our curiosity. When a child connects to a film, it can evoke the feeling of empathy better than any lesson ever could. In this blog post, I will provide you with three great movies […]

Read More

SEL Series – Developing Resilience in Children

Developing resilience in children is not an easy endeavor. Each child temperament and ability to cope with adversity may differ. However, an emotionally competent parent or supportive family member is a significant source of helping children strengthen anatomy and willingness to ask for help when necessary. This blog post will explain five ways adults can […]

Read More

Workshop Spotlight – Deep Dives

These intensive sessions blend fun, engaging content with a richer, more in-depth exploration of the most challenging issues facing after school program staff.  Join us as we go deep, building reflective practice and making best practices and inspiring ideas into realistic, feasible changes to your programs.  Build expertise and skill that will translate into improved […]

Read More

SEL Series – Self Care

Three Key Strategies for a Full Day as a Youth Counselor It is vital for youth camp counselors to be prepared for full day summer camp. I remember how exhausting a day of work could be as youth development counselor.  In this blog post, I will discuss three self-care strategies for youth development summer workers […]

Read More

SEL Series – Back to School

Getting Ready for your Back to School Night Event Back -to- School Family Night is a great way to enhance family involvement for your afterschool program. The event supports parent involvement as well as shapes children’s understandings of positive community interactions and it also promotes family bonding. A Back-to-School Family Night should be colorful, fun, […]

Read More

Workshop Spotlight – Fun Fridays

TGIFriyays!  After school professionals will come together with context experts in a friendly and engaging conversation about one key area of after school program quality.  Explore tools and strategies, try new activities and games, share ideas, and network with colleagues.  Join us for Fun Fridays, and leave inspired and equipped to make your program shine! […]

Read More

SEL Series – Poetic Expressions

Using Poetry as a Tool for Teaching Social Emotional Development Depressed When a tomato gets chopped, it is depressed. When carrots get diced, they are depressed. When they get mixed, they are depressed. Together!  In awe, I read each line of my student’s words and appreciated the depth of her talent and creativity. After reading […]

Read More

SEL Series – Resources!

SEL Summer Program Resources I love a good find! I bet so do you. Recently I have found tons of excellent free SEL resources on Pinterest’s website.  These easy to implement activities will need minimal time to prep and complete. Also, they will be a great add on too many of your scheduled programs. In […]

Read More

SEL Series – Part 2: What is Bullying?

What is an Ally? An ally is someone who acts to support those who are bullied. Empowering children to be advocates will help the culture of your program and it will build awareness. By equipping young people with the skills and abilities to be honest and open about their lives, you will support all of […]

Read More

SEL Series – Part 1: What is Bullying?

What is Bullying? I believe that the word Bully evokes different emotions and attitudes in each person because of the extensive variations of its effects on children.  After reading several varying definitions of “Bullying”, I have chosen the stopbullying.gov definition of Bullying because of its inclusive description of Bullying. “Bullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior among […]

Read More