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North Carolina 21st CCLC Foundations Conference

August 7, 2024

Purposeful Progress: Designing Activities for Effective Learning Recovery

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Shawn Petty

Presenters

Michelle Owens

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Today’s Challenge

Learn practical tools to identify and align student needs with evidence-based, engaging, enrichment activities that accelerate learning recovery.

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Reflection

What were your education experiences like in your formative years?

What is different for youth today?

What did learning look like for you?

What challenges are new in 2024?

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Understanding Learning Loss

Gaps in knowledge and skills due to disruptions due to COVID_19
Current data shows that students are still behind in math and reading

The term 'learning loss' has become a prevalent concern in education, especially following the significant disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic affected all children and their families. School closures and learning disruptions made it hard for many students to build strong foundational skills in reading and mathematics, which likely affected learning in other subject areas. The pandemic also deepened inequities experienced by students of color, students from low-income backgrounds, multilingual learners, students with disabilities. Recent data from The Center for Education Policy Research at Harvard University indicates that students have only made up a fraction of their pandemic learning losses: one-third in math and one-quarter in reading. This highlights the pressing need for effective recovery strategies, as students are unlikely to catch up to pre-pandemic levels without additional support. Addressing this issue requires a concerted effort to implement targeted educational interventions.

TAC Learning Recovery Research and Practice Brief

Source: https://educationrecoveryscorecard.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/ERS-National-Press-Release-2024013001.pdf

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How Do We Recover

Needs Alignment

Engaging Activities

Learning Recovery

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Aligning Needs

Preview content
Scaffolding learning
Reflection on learning

Engaging Activities

Real world application
Opportunities to analyze and create
Multi-modal learning (auditory, visual, kinesthetic)

Blended Learning

(focused, engaged and include all earning styles)

Blended learning combines learning strategies to help students get focused, intentional instruction that keeps them engaged and to ensure that all learning styles (visual, auditory, kinesthetic) are included.

Strategies that support learning recovery through high-quality activities specifically designed to meet the identified needs, and gaps of learners can include:

Previewing content: Introducing new material to students before they engage with it in depth or during the school day, aiming to activate prior knowledge and set the stage for learning.
Scaffolding learning: Providing successive levels of temporary support to help students achieve higher levels of comprehension and skill acquisition, gradually removing the support as students learn.
Reflection on learning: Activities that help students think about and demonstrate what they have learned, how they have learned it, and how they can apply this knowledge in the future.

Strategies that support learning recovery through high-quality activities that capture students' interest and actively involve them in the learning process, often through hands-on methods include:

Real world application: Activities in which students apply what they are learning to real-life situations.
Opportunities to analyze and create: Activities that encourage students to critically examine information and ideas, and to use this understanding to produce original work or solutions.
Multi-modal learning: Activities that engage students through all modes of learning: auditory, kinesthetic, visual, reading and writing.

When we utilize blended learning to structure activities built with these strategies, we accelerate students learning and success.

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What Learning Recovery Looks Like�

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Working Collaboratively student-student staff-student(s) staff-staff

Connected to needs

Increase Engagement

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Aligning Needs: Preview Content

A ‘sneak peek’ of concepts and skills to be learned in the future.

Pre-teaching
Visual aids and graphics
Vocabulary prep
Reading circles
Mind mapping
Background videos (kidshealth.org)

“To React or Not to React”

Students mix baking soda and vinegar to observe the chemical reaction and adjust the quantities of each to see how it affects the reaction's intensity to get them visualizing the concept of reactants.

Introducing new material to students before they engage with it in depth or during the school day aims to activate prior knowledge and set the stage for learning. This approach helps students familiarize themselves with the upcoming content, reducing anxiety and building confidence. Previewing content helps students form a mental framework of what they are about to learn, making it easier for them to absorb and retain new information. It can include various methods such as pre-teaching sessions, multimedia resources, and interactive discussions.

Pre-teaching: Brief, focused sessions that occur before the main lesson. These can be held during afterschool programs or even as part of homework support sessions.
Visual aids and graphics: help students visualize and organize information, making it easier to understand and remember.
Vocabulary prep: teaching and reviewing key vocabulary terms before introducing new topics helps students navigate the material more smoothly.
Interactive Simulations: Use educational simulations or games to give students a hands-on preview of complex concepts. For example, a virtual lab simulation before actual science experiments.
Reading Circles: Organize reading circles where students read and discuss a short story or article related to the upcoming lesson.
Mind Mapping: Create mind maps together to visualize the connections between different concepts before delving deeper into the subject matter.
Background Videos: Use videos to provide context for new topics.

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Example: Chemistry lab simulation, students can explore a scenario where they mix baking soda and vinegar to observe the chemical reaction that produces carbon dioxide gas. They can adjust the quantities of each substance to see how it affects the reaction's intensity. This pre-teaching activity helps students visualize the concepts of reactants.

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Mind mapping

Food

Mouth

Chewing

Swallowing

Stomach

Acid

Hunger

Intestines

Long

Large and small

Food

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Aligning Needs: Scaffolding Learning

Teaching in pieces and building upon concepts one piece at a time.

Mini lessons
Regular review activities (summer slide)
Guided practice (guide, decrease support)
Peer tutoring
Show and describe
Generative AI (generate examples)

"Progressive Problem Solving” guide students step-by-step then move from solving problems together to solving problems with hints. Finally, students to apply what they've learned independently.

Helps support the structure of a skyscraper as it gets higher and higher.

Imagine a construction crew building a skyscraper. They use scaffolding to help support the structure as it gets higher and higher. As the building becomes strong enough to stand on its own, they slowly remove the scaffolding until the project is complete.

Scaffolding in education works very much the same way. It provides a system of support for students to build their skills, first through demonstration and modeling, then through guided practice. Over time, students gain confidence and are able to complete tasks or recall knowledge independently.

Providing successive levels of temporary support to help students achieve higher levels of comprehension and skill acquisition, gradually removing the support as students learn. Scaffolding involves breaking down learning into manageable chunks and providing structured support at each stage. This approach ensures that students build confidence and competence incrementally.

Mini lessons: breaking down concepts or skills into small, manageable steps providing guidance throughout.
Regular review activities: Create opportunities to review concepts on an ongoing basis as a solid foundation for the next set of skills.
Guided Practice Sessions: Start with heavily guided practice sessions that slowly decrease in support as students become more proficient. For instance, initially working through math problems together, then gradually allowing students to solve problems independently.
Think-Aloud Strategies: Model problem-solving or comprehension strategies by thinking aloud during tasks, then encourage students to use the same strategy independently.
Peer Tutoring: Pair students so that they can support each other, with stronger students helping those who are struggling, gradually fading this support as everyone improves.
Show and Describe: Demonstrate tasks and explain meanings.
Generative AI Examples: Use AI to generate examples for understanding.

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Example: "Progressive Problem Solving“: guide students step-by-step through solving math problems then move from solving problems together to having students solve similar problems with hints. Finally, allow students to apply what they've learned independently.

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Aligning Needs: Reflection on Learning

Think and demonstrate what was learned, how it was learned, and how it can be applied.

Journaling/Digital journaling
Reflection circles
Artistic expression
Portfolio creation
Showcase

"LitTok Reflections“

Create short TikTok videos that reflect on vocabulary words learned during literacy activities. Students can explain their meanings, provide examples, and even act them out in short skits.

Activities that help students think about and demonstrate what they have learned, how they have learned it, and how they can apply this knowledge in the future. Reflection allows students to internalize what they have learned, understand their learning processes, and recognize how they can apply their knowledge in various contexts. This can be done through various reflective activities such as journaling, discussions, and presentations.

Journaling: Have students maintain journals where they reflect on their learning experiences, challenges, and achievements. TikTok/Vlogs-Use digital platforms to reflect on learning.
Reflection Circles: Organize group reflection circles where students share their learning experiences, challenges, and successes with peers.
Artistic Expression: Have students create artwork or projects that represent their understanding of the material. For example, drawing a comic strip to explain a scientific concept.
Portfolio Creation: Encourage students to create portfolios that showcase their work and learning progress over time, including reflections on each piece of work.
Showcase: Host events to showcase projects, inviting families to participate.

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Example: "LitTok Reflections“: create short TikTok videos or Vlogs that reflect on vocabulary words or idioms learned during literacy activities. Students can explain their meanings, provide examples, and even act them out in short skits.

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Engaging Activities: Real World Application

Connect classroom to everyday challenges for context and meaning

Community projects
Simulations and role-playing
Job shadowing
Financial literacy
Health and wellness
Gardening and cooking

“Entrepreneurship Challenge” Student groups take a business idea where they apply basic math skills to calculate incomes, expenses, savings, and percentages.

Activities in which students apply what they are learning to real-life situations. This approach makes learning more relevant and engaging, helping students see the practical value of their education. Real-world application connects classroom learning to everyday experiences and challenges, providing context and meaning. This strategy helps students understand the relevance of their studies and encourages them to engage more deeply with the material.

Community Projects: Involve students in projects that address local issues, such as creating a community garden or organizing a neighborhood cleanup.
Simulations and Role-Playing: Use simulations and role-playing activities to mimic real-life scenarios relevant to the content being learned.
Job Shadowing: Arrange job shadowing opportunities where students can spend a day with professionals in fields related to their interests.
Financial Literacy Programs: Teach students about budgeting, saving, and investing through hands-on activities like managing a mock budget or running a small business.
Health and Wellness Programs: Incorporate activities that teach students about nutrition, exercise, and mental health through practical applications, like meal planning or mindfulness exercises.
Gardening and Cooking: Plant and tend a garden, then use the ingredients for cooking.

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Example: ”Entrepreneurship Challenge”: Divide students into small groups and task each group with developing a business idea where they will apply basic arithmetic and algebra skills to calculate incomes, expenses, savings, and percentages.

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Engaging Activities: Analyze and Create

Critically examine information and create solutions or original works.

STEM projects (hypothesis to experimentation to presentation)
Creative writing (themes)
Art and design
Debate clubs
Documentary making
Hackathons

“Documentary Now”

Engage students in researching, scripting, filming, and editing on topics of their choosing.

Activities that encourage students to critically examine information and ideas, and to use this understanding to produce original work or solutions. This strategy promotes higher-order thinking skills and creativity. Encouraging analysis and creation helps students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. By examining information critically and creating original work, students learn to think independently and apply their knowledge in innovative ways.

STEM Projects: Guide students through the process of conducting their own scientific research projects, from hypothesis to experimentation to presentation.
Creative Writing: Hold workshops where students write and share their own stories, poems, or essays, focusing on themes related to their studies.
Art and Design Projects: Have students create artworks or designs that represent concepts they have learned.
Debate Clubs: Organize debate clubs where students research and argue different sides of an issue, honing their analytical and rhetorical skills.
Documentary Making: Have students create documentaries on topics of interest, encouraging them to research, script, film, and edit their projects.
Hackathons: Develop tech solutions to real-world problems.

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Example: “Documentary Now”: Engage students in researching, scripting, filming, and editing documentaries on topics of interest, promoting critical analysis and creative expression.

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Engaging Activities: Multimodal

Engage the senses in different ways be it visual, auditory, or kinesthetic.

Interactive workshops
Multimedia projects
Learning stations
Performing arts
Cooking classes
STEAM projects

“Math Music Video”

Have students rewrite the lyrics to a popular song to explain the steps to a math concept being sure to include visual supports and dance in the music video.

Activities that engage students through all modes of learning: auditory, kinesthetic, visual, reading, and writing. This approach ensures that all learning styles are addressed, making learning more inclusive and effective. Multi-modal learning leverages various sensory experiences and activities to cater to different learning preferences. By engaging multiple senses, students can reinforce their understanding and retention of material.

Interactive Workshops: Conduct workshops that incorporate various learning modes, such as hands-on experiments, audio-visual presentations, and written assignments.
Multimedia Projects: Assign projects that require students to use different media, such as creating a video, a podcast, or a digital presentation.
Learning Stations: Set up different stations that focus on various learning styles, allowing students to rotate and engage with the content in multiple ways.
Performing arts: Integrate music and dance into learning activities, such as creating songs or dances that illustrate key concepts. Use acting and drama to explore and understand topics.
Cooking Classes: Teach students about measurements, chemistry, and nutrition through cooking classes that involve reading recipes, watching demonstrations, and preparing dishes.
STEAM Projects: Integrate science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.

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Example: “Math Music Video”: Have students rewrite the lyrics to a popular song to explain the steps to a math concept being sure to include visual supports and dance in the music video.

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What it Looks Like

Goal: Help students recover sequencing in literacy work.

What: Instruction and guidance on creating stories and games, so they learn the importance of sequencing and how to use it when writing.

How: Participate in rotating small groups. 1 instructor per group

When: Rotate every 15-20 minutes

Reflection on Learning: Sequence drawing

Multi-modal: Interactive literacy game

Analyze & Create: Creative writing activity

Scaffolding: Guided learning activity

The goal here is to help students recover sequencing in literacy work. With instruction and guidance on creating stories and games, students learn the importance of sequencing and how to use it when reading or writing. Dividing students into 4 groups along with 1 instructor per group, they will rotate every 15-20 minutes through the various activities or stations.

Here we have four stations, and we can see how they are connected to the strategies that we looked at today.

We align with students needs through a scaffolded guided learning activity in one station and on another we have students doing a reflection through a sequence drawing.

We focus on engagement in a muti-modal interactive literacy game and in the last station using analysis and creation in a writing activity. If planned intentionally and well, all of these can be highly engaging activities.

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Shout out!

What 1-2 strategies will you will implement this school year to address learning recovery in your program(s)?

Align the needs of students + Highly engaging activities during programming = Learning Recovery!

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21^st CCLC NTAC Website

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Learning Recovery Toolkit and User Guide

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Learning Recovery Toolkit

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Learn about ways to support student learning and learning recovery in the out-of-school time (OST) environment.

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Plan, implement, and assess activities that meet students’ academic, social, and emotional needs and align with program goals.

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Save time and effort (by providing tools that are ready to use or customize).

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Learning Recovery Tipsheet

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21^st CCLC NTAC Learning Recovery Resources

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Aug. 13 - 15, 2024, 1 – 2:30 p.m. ET | Are you a new 21^st CCLC program leader, or someone looking for a refresher on what it takes to run a successful 21^st CCLC program? In this three-part series, we’ll share best practices and approaches for structuring your program from the ground up. Participants will have opportunities to interact with facilitators in real time to ask their most pressing questions and share their own successful strategies with others.

Aug. 13 – Everything 21^st CCLC
Aug. 14 – Strategies for Managing Your Program’s Moving Parts
Aug. 15 – Needs Assessment and Intentional Activity Design

New Leaders Academy (Three-part series)

Aug. 20, 2024, 1 – 1:30 p.m. ET | Explore content and resources from the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) Toolkit. We’ll review tools and resources for promoting program-wide SEL by building foundational support and creating a plan, strengthening and promoting SEL, and practicing continuous improvement.

21^st CCLC NTAC Huddle | CASEL OST Toolkit

Aug. 28, 2024, 1 – 2 p.m. ET | We’ll answer your questions on all things 21^st CCLC and out-of-school time. Do you have concerns about summer planning, intentional activity design, family engagement, or something in-between? We’ll discuss those and more as we open the webinar up to you to discuss your most pressing questions.

Office Hours With the 21^st CCLC NTAC

Aug. 29, 2024, 1 – 2:30 p.m. ET | Explore practical strategies and innovative approaches to ensure your program's financial and operational longevity. We'll discuss ways to diversify funding sources, build robust community partnerships, and leverage data to showcase your program’s impact. Hear from experts and peers about best practices and creative solutions that will keep your program impactful and secure for years to come.

LIVE With 21^st CCLC NTAC | Beyond the Grant: Building Sustainable 21^st CCLC

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