Breakfast Club Blog

The BOOST Breakfast Club Blog is a curated space where bloggers from around the world contribute content on a continual basis about a variety of topics relevant to in and out-of-school time. The BOOST Breakfast Club blog is at the heart of an ongoing dialogue where expanded learning and education professionals share their personal thoughts and stories from the in and out-of-school time field. They also tell us what they ate for breakfast!

The views and opinions expressed in this blog are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any other agency, organization, employer, or company. Enjoy the brain food.

The BOOST Breakfast Club Blog is Brain Food for In and Out-of-School Time Leaders!

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Filling in the Gaps: How Developmental Theory Supports Social Emotional Learning in Afterschool Programs

This spring issue  of the Journal of Expanded Learning Opportunities (JELO) launched at the 2016 BOOST conference and features a conversation about quality programming in afterschool, an article on the role that social emotional learning can play to close the achievement and learning gaps, and an article focusing on the links between professional development and quality STEM learning experiences. The JELO serves as an important resource for the expanded learning field as well as makes the connec...Read More

My Brother’s Keeper Translator

“We have to do right by our boys.” -President Obama After a week long conference for expanded learning professionals in Palm Springs, I’m reminded of how important my role is in the lives of our youth. The BOOST Conference is more than just a place to convene and exchange ideas, for many of us, it’s a time to reflect and recharge with close friends from the field. This year was no different. But this year, more than others, I was able to see myself outside of the work and...Read More

BOOST Conference Debrief Guide: 10 Action Strategies

You may have a book of notes, business cards, ideas, and inspiration you brought back from the BOOST Conference. Let’s be honest – we jump right back into our routines and there are many times we put what we brought home aside and tell ourselves that we will get to it later. What if you carved out time to connect with people you met, had a team gathering to debrief what you learned, and reviewed your week personally? Here are 10 debrief ideas you can use. These can be used personally, with...Read More

How to Overcome the #BOOSTBlues

The 2016 BOOST Conference has finished and it’s been one week since we left Palm Springs and have all returned to our homes, schools, programs, and communities. While you have probably left feeling inspired, recharged, and ready to put what you learned in action, you might be feeling the #BOOSTBlues! Hear what some of our Leadership Team and Bloggers have to say about how they handle their #BOOSTBlues and what they suggest for staying connected until our BOOST Conference 2017! Visit our bl...Read More

BOOST Conference Insider’s Guide

The 2016 BOOST Conference is next week! Some of our seasoned BOOSTers have shared tips of what to do and where to go while you are in Palm Springs. If you have visited Palm Springs before, what is your tip? Share it with us on Facebook or Twitter and use #BOOSTConference   Buy the salsa at El Mirasol’s, to relive your week in Palm Springs until next year.    Read the ENTIRE Conference brochure. The Village Pub….bottom floor rock out…upstairs dancin’…’nuff said...Read More

The Role of Mentorship: Field Leader Spotlight

This blog was originally posted on the Alliance for a Healthier Generation Healthy Out-of-School Time Blog. The Best Out-of-School Time (BOOST) Conference is coming up, and this year I’m honored to once again co-present with Bruno Marchesi, Chief Operating Officer at the Center for Collaborative Solutions. We will be discussing Local, State, and National Perspectives on the Healthy Afterschool Movement. Prior to his role as COO, Bruno served as Project Manager for the Healthy Behaviors and...Read More

BOOST Master Class: Leading for Student Engagement

I will be teaching on Project-Based Learning (PBL) strategies, and more, at a Master Class offered during the upcoming BOOST Conference. I hope you’ll join me on Thursday, April 28, from 1:15 to 2:30 p.m., for an interactive session on “Leading for Student Engagement: How to Plan and Sustain Effective Project-Based Learning Initiatives.” What sorts of projects might students tackle during out-of-school time? I’ve seen students design low-cost prosthetic devices to improve...Read More

BOOST Master Class: Program Transformation: Rethinking Scannables

I’ve very excited to host a Master Class on Scannable Technology at the BOOST Conference this April. My new book Deeper Learning with QR Codes and Augmented Reality: A Scannable Solution for Your Classroom includes lots of ways teachers can use #ScannableTech with students. Many of the ideas and activities I share are perfect for educators working outside of the classroom or in nontraditional learning spaces. Here are three ways to use #ScannableTech in after school programs. Let Kids Desi...Read More

BOOST Breakfast Club 2015 Recap

Thank you for sharing 2015 with us! We look forward to this coming year and creating opportunities for change in educational and social services agencies serving youth in the out-of-school time hours. Our blog has a wealth of resources you and your organization from professionals in out-school-time, youth development, and education from across the globe. Our topics include: 21st Century Learning, Advocacy & Policy, Building Relationships, Closing the Achievement Gap, Common Core, Community C...Read More

7 Ways to Maximize Your BOOST Experience

Below is a list of 7 ways to make the most out of your next BOOST Conference! 1) Be PRESENT. Don’t compare last year to this year. You will be chasing a ghost or even worse, you will try to “recreate” last year’s experience. Every year is distinct and every year there are new ‘openings.’  Which is one of the secrets of BOOST and something that can be appreciated, only if you are PRESENT (mind, body and soul). 2) The ENTIRE CONFERENCE is a workshop. If you expe...Read More

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