Resources

Activity Planning Maps

There are a variety of ways to engage youth in learning. Below are a few examples of diverse activities planning maps designed to engage youth based on their interests. These are just to get you started; the possibilities are endless!

Activity Planning Map
A blank activity planning map for you to use at your program.

Sample Activity Planning Map (Arts): Fashion of the Times
A sample activity planning map for arts activities.

Sample Activity Planning Map (SEL): Matter of Opinion
A sample activity planning map for SEL activities.

Using the Eight Cs of Engagement (Chart)
Use this resource during activity planning to diversify cognitive opportunities and increase youth’s commitment to learning.

Literacy Guides

Below are some literacy guides that Project RISE developed for The Battle of the Books summer reading competition that you may use for your program.

Maybe Something Beautiful (Grades K-1)
A guide filled with activities to accompany the reading of Maybe Something Beautiful. Children will reflect on the beauty within their own community and inspire creativity and innovation through classroom collaboration.

More-igami (Grades 2-3)
A guide filled with activities to accompany the reading of More-igami. Children will get to collaborate, create, and compete in friendly book-themed challenges.

Timid (Grades 4-5)
A guide filled with activities to accompany the reading of Timid. Children will get to express their creativity with teamwork and fun activities.

Simon B Rhymin’ (Grades 4-5)
A guide filled with activities to accompany the reading of Simon B Rhymin’. Older children will get to participate in fun activities that can help them make an impact in their communities.

SAS Centers

SAS Centers are hands-on activities designed to engage children and support their learning goals by allowing them the opportunity to think critically and creatively in a way that doesn’t feel like school. These Centers are meant to be implemented during Academic Support time to encourage children to complete their homework in a timely manner and to provide fun, critical and creative thinking activities when children do not have any homework.

SAS Centers – Draw It
The activities children may select from this center will not only grow their drawing skills but also give them the opportunity to practice drawing with symmetry, following step-by-step instructions, and engaging their imagination and creativity.

SAS Centers – Make It
Children will build and create in these STEM activities. Some additional materials your program may need to provide for use in these activities include aluminum foil, coins, Lego, paper, tape, pipe cleaners, popsicle sticks, etc.

SAS Centers – Partner Projects
Speaking is an important part of literacy that children often do not get enough time to engage in throughout the school day. These partner projects encourage peer-to-peer collaboration and conversation by giving children the opportunity to practice taking turns and working together.

SAS Centers – Read It
Children may choose from a variety of activities -such as book reviews, reading responses, vocabulary practice, crosswords, and mystery texts- designed to strengthen their reading comprehension skills and accompany any book they are reading.

SAS Centers – Say It
Children may work with a partner or small group to practice their speaking skills with fun and interactive questions and conversation starters using chit chat cubes, speaking cards, or even idiom cards.

SAS Centers – Solve It
Children may choose from a selection of word puzzles, number puzzles, mazes, pattern recognitions and riddles designed to engage their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

SAS Centers – Write It
Children may choose from a variety of writing prompts that interest them to practice different types of writing, including creative writing, opinion writing, or developing silly stories.

After-School Transition Tips
A quick guide on how to make transitions at your program more effective.

Experiential Learning (Plan Do Reflect)
A visual guide to the experiental learning cycle.

Incorporating the 8 Cs of Engagement
A guide on how to incorporate the 8 Cs of Engagement into your literacy activities.

Summer Success Highlights
Important tips and links to resources for summer programs.

Using Praise Effectively
A guide on how to use praise and corrective feedback effectively.

Why Children Misbehave
A guide that goes over the 3 main reasons for misbehavior and how to address these types of misbehavior.

Trust Academy Learning Management System (LMS) User Guide
Everything you need to know about the Trust Academy Learning Management System.

Funding Opportunities
Looking for additional funding for your Youth Development program? Here is a list of resources we have compiled over the years.

Youth Development Organizations:
As part of our mission to raise the quality of care in Youth Development programs, we have compiled a listing of web resources providing support and inspiration which focus on issues concerning Youth Development programs. These organizations maintain websites with tons of great resources.

Publications
We have compiled a list of publications that provide additional information and resources for Youth Development programs.