Category: Expanded Learning
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This Could Not Have Been An Email: Social Emotional Learning Makes Meetings Meaningful
A common complaint heard after many work meetings is, “This could have been an email”. For Expanded Learning providers participating in Tacoma’s Whole Child partnership under COVID-19 conditions, virtual team meetings have been something they actually look forward to. After 3 years of providing programs on-site at 12 elementary schools across Tacoma, Expanded Learning Opportunities (ELO) had to shift to an online format under COVID-19 conditions. This meant that ELO providers wouldn’t see > Continue Reading
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Youth Hunger For Connection Served Up By Online Expanded Learning Opportunities
With the music pumping and blue disco lights flashing (well…in one kid’s room, at least) students and instructors from Tacoma Arts Live’s Hip-Hop Movement class moved together, via webcam, through the steps of a routine they had just learned. “I’m panting like my dog.” one of the students said, coming closer to the screen as > Continue Reading
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The Legacy of Mr. Rogers In Tacoma’s Whole Child Virtual Expanded Learning
For more than 30 years Mister Rogers used his groundbreaking PBS television show to make a personal connection with millions of children. Speaking directly into the camera, he invited his viewers to join him in learning new things, playing together, and reflecting on what it means to be a good “neighbor”. “Expanded Learning Opportunities have always provided a unique space for students to make connections with each other and with a caring adult.” Building on > Continue Reading
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Local Online Learning Adapts For Youth Who Don’t Want To Feel Alone
‘I just don’t like feeling alone.’ The youth Choreographer’s Workshop at Tacoma Arts Live looked a lot different this summer. Gathering on screen via Zoom, instead of in a dance studio, each student rehearsed their routine in their own individual square with their sound settings on mute. Whenever a classmate had a question or needed > Continue Reading
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Social Emotional Learning Helps Kids Navigate COVID-19 Disruptions
Sharing is usually something adults encourage kids to practice. That’s why Tess Guerrero understood how strange it sounded when she explained to a student that they couldn’t share their supplies because of safety measures due to COVID-19. “I don’t want to hear one more thing about this virus!” the student exclaimed. Tess said the student’s > Continue Reading
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Parents See the Difference Caring Adults Make for Their Students
Members of the Vision Step team at Edison Elementary School marched into the cafeteria as they wrapped up their after-school step dance session on a recent afternoon. As the girls waited for their rides to arrive, Codi Scharry and Danielle Bryant, parents of team members, handed out Rice Krispy treats to everyone. “I bring snacks > Continue Reading
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Every Adult Can Build Youth Resilience and Help Students Thrive
During the end-of-school hustle and bustle on a recent afternoon at Tacoma’s Reed Elementary School, a group of students gathered around Gary Lowery. He sat on the steps of a stage in the cafeteria strumming his guitar. After playing a couple tunes of his own, Gary passed the guitar around the circle and let each > Continue Reading
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Simple Strategies Help Students (and Adults) Move Through Challenging Emotions
An easy way to soothe stress is right at your fingertips. Using your forefinger, slowly draw a sideways figure 8 in the air. Breathe in as you move your finger to the right. Breathe out as your finger closes the loop. Repeat drawing the figure with the breaths as many times as it takes to > Continue Reading
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Warm Greetings, 3 Breaths, And A Constitution Help Students Thrive
When the bell rang on a recent Tuesday afternoon at Jennie Reed Elementary School, the halls were filled with students in neat, single-file lines. Each line moved in a different direction depending on where the students went after school. A handful of these lines converged on the cafeteria where students gathered for Jaguar Jump, Reed’s > Continue Reading
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20 Minutes Can Make All The Difference For Students In Expanded Learning
When school lets out at Tacoma’s Birney Elementary, Sergio Beltran can be found outside the cafeteria greeting students as they head into Expanded Learning at the All-Star Center. On a recent Thursday, Sergio noticed one student looked a little down as he entered the space. Sergio took a few minutes right away to talk one-on-one > Continue Reading