Schoolyard Podcast host Nancy Chung and guest Nicole Hill chat about the importance of extended learning. They discuss how flexible, engaging learning options can encourage lifelong learning, as well as ways to create learning opportunities that are accessible to all students.
Extended learning plays a vital role in the education of students from kindergarten through 12th grade. It’s a valuable opportunity to enhance their academic, social, and personal development.
It’s crucial to individualize extended learning to meet the unique needs and interests of each student. By doing so, we equip them with the necessary skills to become lifelong learners.
One size doesn’t fit all. Even if you’ve done a certain type of extended learning program in your school or district for 10 years, it has to keep changing and evolving. So what worked? What didn’t? How can we update programs? What’s going to be most impactful for this group of kids and these families? A blended approach is really important, because if you only offer after-school tutoring, what about the families that need before school tutoring or mentoring or flexible group learning during the school day?
Nicole Hill
Beyond the traditional classroom setting, extended learning allows students to explore their passions and interests in a hands-on and engaging manner. It fosters curiosity, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills, which are essential for success. It also provides a platform for students to develop life skills, such as teamwork, communication, and time management.
It’s important for communities to come together and provide support for those who may not have the financial or physical means to participate in extended learning. By ensuring equal access to these opportunities, we can bridge the educational gap and promote inclusion in education. Together, we can create a brighter future for all students, empowering them to reach their full potential!
Laura has served within the field of education for 16 years as a classroom teacher, specialist, assistant principal, and principal. She is certified as an educator in the areas of EC-12 Principal, EC-8 Generalist, 8-12 English Language Arts, Reading and Social Studies, EC-12 Special Education, EC-12 Gifted and Talented, and EC-12 English as a Second Language. Her school experience varies to include work with students in prekindergarten through 12th grade, both in Texas and Europe, and within communities that were each uniquely diverse in terms of their demographics, size, and campus needs. While serving in these roles, she developed expertise in the areas of curriculum and instruction, professional development, and leadership.
