Training: Half Day Session
Curriculum and Homework Linkages
Summary
This session examines homework help and enrichment activities at Thousand Oaks Elementary School and Esperanza Elementary School. Participants will observe and analyze what the programs are doing, the purpose, and their replicability.
Before Viewing
Ask: When you think of a dynamic after-school program, what comes to mind? Chart the responses. Tip to Facilitator: Participants will have a range of ideas. Try to focus on elements common to all after-school programs, homework help and enrichment activities in particular.
Viewing the Video
Watch the Thousand Oaks and Esperanza segments of the video. Take notes on what makes homework help and enrichment activities effective and engaging.
Discussion Questions
- How do Thousand Oaks and Esperanza link the after-school curriculum to the regular day learning?
- What homework strategies seem to make the after-school time most effective?
Planning Activities
- Check out the planning tools in the Beyond the Bell web site. (To access the planning tools, follow the About Linkages: Plan link.) Print the Homework Sharing tool and the Field Trip memo. Discuss and critique how regular school teachers and after-school staff can share information about curriculum and homework needs.
- Draft tools that would work in your particular school and program.
Wrap-up Discussion
- What strategies can you bring back to your own program?
- What resources in your community can be used for enrichment activities?
| School |
Setting |
Grade Level |
What to Note |
| Gordon |
Urban/Suburban |
Middle School |
Homework help system
Teacher communication |
| Esperanza |
Urban |
Elementary |
Enrichment activities linked to literacy
Communication with families |
| Thousand Oaks |
Suburban |
Elementary |
Innovative use of very limited space
Enrichment activities |
| Big Rapids |
Rural |
Middle School |
Internal communication between day and after-school teachers |
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