Making After-School Cool Podcast

Over the last two decades the emergence of after school programs have grown into its own industry. Initially, thought of a place where kids can stay after school until their parents come home from work, currently after school program are more complexed and can address students and community needs. According to research conducted by Dr. Fashola, with John Hopkins and Howard Universities, her review of research literature on the subject indicates, by attending after-school programs participants can improve their socialization skills, programs can provide students with enriching experiences that broaden their perspectives of their life and future possibilities; and after-school programs can help to improve the academic achievement of students who may be struggling during regular school hours.

Today on the Making After School Cool podcast, I had the pleasure of interviewing CASE for Kids staff who are assigned to 21st Century program. This episode features Imyria Bledsaw. who was a high school students participating in the program and currently works on one of the sites, Briana Fips, Kathrine Delatorre, and Deshawn Gibson who are after school program specialist. I also interviewd Keanda Fuller who is a Program Coordinator at Havard Elementary. During our discussion they shared their experiences participating in and working for and out of school time program.

This is a preview of Episode 54 of the Making Afterschool Cool podcast which will focus on the implementation of a great summer program during the COVID pandemic. My guest is Kristen Miller, an author of many educational resources, parenting resources, and curriculums for the early childhood audience.

So please join us for our next episode where we discuss preparing for a great summer program continue to explore issues relevant to the out-of-school time field.

Episode 72 of the Making Afterschool Cool podcast focuses on the benefits of practicing mental wellness exercises with students. In recent years Yoga and other mindfulness activities have becomes more popular in schools and after-school programs. Yoga and mindfulness skills are something that children can practice anywhere, and the breathing technique and the concentration concepts help youth to learn to act or react to situations. To discuss the benefits of using mindfulness exercises with students is my guest Connie Morris.

During this podcast you will learn about:

• The benefits of practicing mental wellness exercises with students
• The meaning of PAUSE (Practice Awareness and Understanding Self Exercises)
• Simple ways educators could implement so ways to help students reset, refocus and calm down
• How play can positively influence learning

Guest

Connie Morris has a background in elementary and special education, with an undergraduate degree in Elementary Education, K-8 Elementary Education, K-12 Intervention License, and Master of Education in Special Education with a focus on Autism Spectrum Disorders. She teaches yoga and professional development and graduate courses to educators. She lives with her husband and very energetic dog in the Cleveland area. Connie is also an advisor with Global Wellness for Children and an adjunct instructor at Ashland University.

Resources

Connie Morris

buddingyoga.com

Mike Wilson

[email protected]

Harris County Department of Education

https://hcde-texas.org

CASE for Kids

https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone

This episode of the Making Afterschool Cool podcast is the first part of a two-part series that focuses on how adults can help high school students prepare for life after graduation. With the right assistance, and information, helping students move into adulthood can be less complicated. My guests on this two-part series are Beth and Greg Langston.

During this podcast you will learn about:

1. Iinformation regarding the College Flight Plan?
2. What age should youth start thinking about life after high school?
3. why is self-discovery for teens so important?
4. What are the 3 most important qualities college admissions officers look for?

Guest

Beth has had tremendous success with mentoring high school students, understand the college application’s essay process. Greg has had a successful international business career, which allowed him to mentor young professionals and businesses in 65 countries. For the last 20 years, Beth and Greg have helped students with finding their life’s purpose with their organization, the College Flight Plan.

Resources

College Flight Plan

Website: www.collegeflightplan.com

Harris County Department of Education

https://hcde-texas.org

CASE for Kids

https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone

This is a preview of episodes 70 and 71 where we discussed helping students prepare for life after high school. According to Kids Health Journal, assisting teens to prepare for life after high school is a very important tasks for educators, mentors, and parents. With the right assistance, and information, helping students move into adulthood can be less complicated. My guests on this two-part series were Beth and Greg Langston. Beth and Greg are former professionals in education and business who now use their talents to aide high school students find and develop a plan to accomplish their life’s goal.