This has to be the greatest picture ever!
Showing posts with label ASA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ASA. Show all posts
Monday, November 22, 2010
Saturday, February 06, 2010
Each one teach one
As I walked through the After-School Academy I saw several things going on. One group was building with legos. One group was working on homework. A few were at the computers playing educational computer games. It's been my dream that the kids in the After-School Academy become independent learners. Walking through, I couldn't help but think that is quickly becoming a reality.
As I walked out the door to the elevator I saw the scene in the picture above.
Ladaysha (3rd grade) was quizzing Hakim and Jaden (both 1st grade) on their spelling words while they casually molded play-doh. I loved it! They weren't stressed. They weren't sitting uncomfortably in wooden chairs hating homework. Instead, they nonchalantly took turns spelling. If they mis-spelled a word, Ladaysha kindly pointed out their mistake, reminded them how to spell it correctly, asked them to re-spell it, and moved on to a new word. It couldn't have been a more beautiful scene!
Independent learners.
Painless and stress-free learning opportunities.
Older students helping younger ones.
Everyone plays a role in progress.
Thanks, Danielle, for making the After-School Academy where this can happen!
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Looking toward the future of our children
First of all...sorry for being absent! I went on vacation and didn't realize how little internet access I would have. That being said, I'm going to try to get back on the bandwagon again! :)
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I'm a big advocate of what technology can do for us and for our children, IF we work with it and utilize it. There's so much out there that I don't even know about. Recently, we were given a $5000 grant to use toward capital expenses. They have agreed that I could use it all toward technology. So, I have a challenge for you...
1) Watch the video below...
2) Think about...even research...software (computer "games" like the cancer game?), hardware (Nintendo DS? TAG reading system?), and/or other innovative ways we could use that money so that our kids in the ASA and summer program would be able grasp concepts and generate ideas in ways they may not have unlocked yet. (note: this summer our theme is environment and recycling, in case you come across anything like that)
3) Offer your time or help me find others who would be willing and able... Help guide kids who have primarily been exposed to Nick.com and standardized testing on the computer to this new world of technology.
Real simple...one afternoon a week. This would allow us to utilize the technology we already have (4 computers) and would help them become independent. Once they become knowledgeable and independent, they could do stuff on their own...or you can continue helping us get them to a new level so that they can be competitve in our world.
Sound exciting? It is!! Help us get there!
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I'm a big advocate of what technology can do for us and for our children, IF we work with it and utilize it. There's so much out there that I don't even know about. Recently, we were given a $5000 grant to use toward capital expenses. They have agreed that I could use it all toward technology. So, I have a challenge for you...
1) Watch the video below...
2) Think about...even research...software (computer "games" like the cancer game?), hardware (Nintendo DS? TAG reading system?), and/or other innovative ways we could use that money so that our kids in the ASA and summer program would be able grasp concepts and generate ideas in ways they may not have unlocked yet. (note: this summer our theme is environment and recycling, in case you come across anything like that)
3) Offer your time or help me find others who would be willing and able... Help guide kids who have primarily been exposed to Nick.com and standardized testing on the computer to this new world of technology.
Real simple...one afternoon a week. This would allow us to utilize the technology we already have (4 computers) and would help them become independent. Once they become knowledgeable and independent, they could do stuff on their own...or you can continue helping us get them to a new level so that they can be competitve in our world.
Sound exciting? It is!! Help us get there!
Monday, December 17, 2007
Lessons in Success
I've been on vacation for the last week...and will blog about that soon.
In the meantime, when I got back last night, I was welcomed with an amazing article in the Dallas Morning News in the Sunday paper (12/16/07), Points section. It’s even better if you read it in the huge spread in the paper with all of the color photos, but these links are great if you missed Sunday's paper.
So many of you have contributed to our After-School Academy in some way or another--monetarily, emotionally, prayerfully, etc. Your presence and/or your support in whatever way you offered it has helped make the program what it is today. Thank you!
We have high hopes of what can happen...not just for the 31 kids who attend the After-School Academy, but for all of the kids they represent...as we move forward and work toward changing the "system" that families battle on a daily basis. With the amazing people that exist in Turner Courts and other places like it, I have no doubt it can be done!
Article:Colleen McCain Nelson: Lessons in success
Video:
Lessons in Success video
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Valuing the family??
How much does our society truly value and promote the family structure?
I've been trying to fill out paperwork for the state to show we are not a daycare provider. We need this exemption in order for us to receive free snacks for the children.
I don't think we are going to qualify.
Their rules don't match with what what our program is about:
Although I'm not opposed to organizations who don't collect any compensation, we do. We only charge $5/month, which is extremely minimal compared to what we provide. Quality after-school care costs money. We want to provide that quality and we want parents to feel they are putting their child somewhere that is worth paying money for. Although their financial commitment seems minimal, the percentage and amount of their income makes it just as significant as wealthier people paying good money for their children to have extracurricular programs. Free often implies that people must accept and be grateful for what they are given. Because our parents are financially committed, they have a right to complain if they want but, more importantly, their commitment and our conversations with them allow them to shape the direction of the program.
The second and third rule are particularly disturbing to me. I can't imagine wanting my child to be a part of a program where I have to sign a paper saying my 5-13 year old child can decide whether or not s/he goes home without adult supervision. Our program is a place parents can enroll their child and *know* that s/he won't be running the streets when mom isn't looking. If enrolled children don't ride the van from school, we talk to the parents. This assures us and the parents that their child's safety is primary to us. By coming straight to the program, we (and the parents) know that their child will get his/her homework done along with the support s/he needs. For a parent who is working, this provides a feeling of comfort. For a parent who may not seem concerned about their child's whereabouts, this allows us to initiate conversations with the parent and build a relationship that has often developed a heightened awareness of their child's activities.
Because of our contradicting "rules," I'm not sure if we will receive the free snacks.
Regardless...
I know what we offer to the parents is a valuable service that isn't available financially or in proximity. I know I have no desire to compromise our commitment and assurance to the families that we will provide a safe, supervised, educational place for their children and will not release them unless the parent/guardian says it is ok.
I've been trying to fill out paperwork for the state to show we are not a daycare provider. We need this exemption in order for us to receive free snacks for the children.
I don't think we are going to qualify.
Their rules don't match with what what our program is about:
1) The program will not collect compensation for its services.
2) Children participating in the activities are free to join or leave the program at will. If the program provides transportation from school, children may choose whether to use the transportation from school and when to leave the program and walk home without adult supervision.
3) The program must require all parents to sign a statement allowing their children to come and go at will from the program.
Although I'm not opposed to organizations who don't collect any compensation, we do. We only charge $5/month, which is extremely minimal compared to what we provide. Quality after-school care costs money. We want to provide that quality and we want parents to feel they are putting their child somewhere that is worth paying money for. Although their financial commitment seems minimal, the percentage and amount of their income makes it just as significant as wealthier people paying good money for their children to have extracurricular programs. Free often implies that people must accept and be grateful for what they are given. Because our parents are financially committed, they have a right to complain if they want but, more importantly, their commitment and our conversations with them allow them to shape the direction of the program.
The second and third rule are particularly disturbing to me. I can't imagine wanting my child to be a part of a program where I have to sign a paper saying my 5-13 year old child can decide whether or not s/he goes home without adult supervision. Our program is a place parents can enroll their child and *know* that s/he won't be running the streets when mom isn't looking. If enrolled children don't ride the van from school, we talk to the parents. This assures us and the parents that their child's safety is primary to us. By coming straight to the program, we (and the parents) know that their child will get his/her homework done along with the support s/he needs. For a parent who is working, this provides a feeling of comfort. For a parent who may not seem concerned about their child's whereabouts, this allows us to initiate conversations with the parent and build a relationship that has often developed a heightened awareness of their child's activities.
Because of our contradicting "rules," I'm not sure if we will receive the free snacks.
Regardless...
I know what we offer to the parents is a valuable service that isn't available financially or in proximity. I know I have no desire to compromise our commitment and assurance to the families that we will provide a safe, supervised, educational place for their children and will not release them unless the parent/guardian says it is ok.
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
How to pick blueberries
Step 1: Connect with The gleaning network of Texas.
Step 2: Gather 8 elementary-aged kids who have been learning about health and nutrition and take them to Gainesville, TX.
Step 3: Pair up kids and adults and take off down the rows of blueberry bushes. Note: Go further back in the field to get the most blueberries.
Step 4: Look for dark blue (almost white) berries. Don't pick the reddish ones!
Step 5: Reach deep into the blueberry bush to find fat, juicy blueberries that no one thought to pick.
Step 6: Pop a few into your mouth as you go to make sure the blueberries are still as sweet as when you first started picking.
Step 7: Note the sounds of blueberry picking..."Boy these 'mugs' are good!!" ~Kamaurja
Step 8: Fill your little bucket as full as you can get it. Keep looking for blueberry-filled trees somebody missed!
Step 9: Holler out when you find a tree with lots of berries..."Oooh! This one's got LOTS of blueberries!" ~Ladarrius
Step 10: Watch everyone run to the blueberry bush.
Step 11: Walk back to the shade to empty your bucket into your paper container, ask to put your name on it, and then rest.
Step 12: Use the voice recorders to make raps about eating your fruits and vegetables on the van ride home.
Step 13: Take your bucket of fresh blueberries to the house and make blueberry pancakes, blueberry muffins, cereal with blueberries on top, blueberry shakes, etc. (if you have a favorite blueberry recipe, please feel free to offer it here!)
Step 2: Gather 8 elementary-aged kids who have been learning about health and nutrition and take them to Gainesville, TX.
Step 3: Pair up kids and adults and take off down the rows of blueberry bushes. Note: Go further back in the field to get the most blueberries.
Step 4: Look for dark blue (almost white) berries. Don't pick the reddish ones!
Step 5: Reach deep into the blueberry bush to find fat, juicy blueberries that no one thought to pick.Step 6: Pop a few into your mouth as you go to make sure the blueberries are still as sweet as when you first started picking.
Step 7: Note the sounds of blueberry picking..."Boy these 'mugs' are good!!" ~Kamaurja
Step 8: Fill your little bucket as full as you can get it. Keep looking for blueberry-filled trees somebody missed!Step 9: Holler out when you find a tree with lots of berries..."Oooh! This one's got LOTS of blueberries!" ~Ladarrius
Step 10: Watch everyone run to the blueberry bush.
Step 11: Walk back to the shade to empty your bucket into your paper container, ask to put your name on it, and then rest.
Step 12: Use the voice recorders to make raps about eating your fruits and vegetables on the van ride home.
Step 13: Take your bucket of fresh blueberries to the house and make blueberry pancakes, blueberry muffins, cereal with blueberries on top, blueberry shakes, etc. (if you have a favorite blueberry recipe, please feel free to offer it here!)
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