Professional Development
NAA publishes fresh, new content every week covering a wide variety of topics related to the field of aftershool. In addition, NAA offers a variety of opportunities for virtual professional development (PD) through meaningful content, conversations and connections. Click here to see full descriptions of virtual PD offerings.
Heroes, Villains, Intrigue and Drama of the STEM World
Tuesday, 09 May 2017 08:55STEM is often thought of as quite dull. When asked about STEM, many people picture smart old white men, who wear white coats and work alone in sterile labs. These men explain things using long, complicated words and math symbols that might as well be hieroglyphics.
Help Young People Unleash Their Inner Rockstars!
Monday, 01 May 2017 00:00When I share about my experience growing up in New York (or New "Yawk" as I've been known to say) and attending public school, I'm always struck by how rich and layered my education was and how much afterschool hours shaped my life—profoundly.
Tips to Incorporate SEL in Afterschool Programs
Tuesday, 25 April 2017 05:59Afterschool programs across the nation are experiencing the many benefits of integrating social emotional learning (SEL) into their schedules—including improved communication, reduced bullying, and stronger peer relationships.
Finding STEM Learning Opportunities that Inspire Young People to Explore, Discover and Create
Tuesday, 18 April 2017 05:42The process of teaching and learning science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) offers youth opportunities to make sense of the world they live in and prepare them for the future workforce.
8 Simple Ways for Kids to Practice Kindness Every Day
Tuesday, 18 April 2017 05:38In our busy lives, it's easy for adults to forget the importance of kindness—much less kids, who are focused on playing with friends or their new iPad app. Yet even the smallest act of kindness makes us happier.
What is STEM?
Tuesday, 11 April 2017 06:37From colleges to preschools, STEM continues to be a hot topic for both formal and informal education. STEM education is being driven by our increasingly technical society, a fear that America is falling behind in innovation, a lack of STEM college graduates and the need to prepare today's youth for the jobs of tomorrow.
Finding Their Voice: Why Kids Should Journal
Friday, 17 March 2017 06:20This is a photo of me, today, on my 47th birthday, holding my very first journal—written when I was 10 years old. My fifth grade teacher asked us to buy a notebook that inspired us and, every few days, she gave us a topic to write about.
Reflections on Disability Inclusion from a Recovering Therapist
Tuesday, 14 March 2017 08:59Over 45 years ago, I graduated from college and excitedly embarked on a career in occupational therapy. I found myself drawn to pediatrics. I always loved children and had five younger brothers and sisters. I was sure I made the right decision.
2 x 2 in Afterschool: More Math!
Tuesday, 14 March 2017 08:55Last month, Andy the Science Wiz provided 10 tips for providing math enrichment afterschool. Want to include even more math? Check out these additional ideas!
Empower Youth by Reading Aloud
Tuesday, 07 March 2017 08:40Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis, and Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo are just a few well-loved, high-quality pieces of young people's literature. They are also great read-alouds—who doesn't love listening to a great story?
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