In many learning communities, one of the biggest challenges facing the afterschool profession is the process of aligning programs with the regular school day. Conceptualization of an aligned learning day involves sharing a mission, vision, turf, resources, and core beliefs about where children and youth can learn.

Youth development professionals can tell when youth are engaged in a meaningful and challenging activity.

DimensionU's cutting-edge games are a proven example of successful game-based learning.

Have you seen the animated whiteboard video of Sir Ken Robinson? With help from RSA Animate, Robinson explains the history of formal education and the necessity for Changing Education Paradigms.

At the core of the 4Cs—Collaboration, Creativity, Critical Thinking, Communication—is another C: Curiosity.

We all know THAT Person at work—the one whose personality doesn't really click with yours.

Did you use the 4Cs today?

Of course you did.

But how?

"Two heads are better than one."

This age-old adage contains a lot of wisdom when related to incorporating best teaching practices for STEM: The ability to collaborate is essential in our modern, information-rich workplace.

One of my 2-year-old daughter's favorite activities is playing with blocks. She enjoys exploring their shape and texture as well as sorting them by color and size. Her ultimate fun is tower-building.

Over the past 10 years there has been a focused and well-researched shift for STEM education to be based on hands-on, inquiry-type activities. The afterschool environment is perfect for implementing these types of activities.