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 Children say, “It’s cool.” Afterschool staff is having fun learning too. Principals are impressed at how students are responding. What is all the fuss about? Ten thousand Fresno Unified School District elementary students cannot wait to dig into reading and science activities afterschool.
This year, Fresno Unified adapted the Seeds of Science/Roots of Reading curriculum for 58 elementary programs, addressing the need to provide additional expository reading and writing experiences afterschool.
The integrated science-literacy program was developed by leaders from the UC Berkeley Lawrence Hall of Science, in partnership with the university’s Graduate School of Education. A National Science Foundation grant made the development of the research-based curriculum possible.
Academically Fun
“Seeds of Science/Roots of Reading applies a do-it, talk-it, read-it, write-it approach to learning in a manner children enjoy,” said Glenn Starkweather, Principal on Special Assignment, Extended Learning at Fresno Unified. “The kids are creating, building, observing, inferring and developing new skills through real-world investigations. We know it’s helping them connect academically, and they are having fun as they are engaged in the various activities.”
In partnership with Fresno Unified for the implementation of the program include the Fresno County Office of Education and California Teaching Fellows Foundation. Teaching Fellows provides a significant number of the afterschool instructors, many of whom are local college students. Fresno County manages half of the programs at school sites, while assisting in the facilitation of instructor training.
“Students cannot wait for the two days this program is offered each week. It is currently one of the most popular components of the afterschool programs, “ said Alix Frazer, FRESH Afterschool Programs Director, Fresno County Office of Education. “The enthusiasm of the children is contagious. It brings joy to the instructors, and they are entertained and learning as they teach. The program is well organized, making it easy for staff to instruct. Additional guidelines for English language learners are included.”
Creative Curriculum
The Seeds of Science/Roots of Reading units are theme-based for multi-grade levels. In the Fresno Unified program, second grade students study Soil Habitats, in third grade they study Shoreline Science, fourth graders learn about Light and Energy, fifth graders study Moons and Planets, and sixth graders focus on Chemical Changes and Models of Matter.
 “It is very creative,” said Starkweather. “In the planet and moon unit, the kids design space ships to land on a planet full of water. Each group figures out how to land and take samples back, then discusses their conclusions with the class.”
Each unit integrates multiple learning modalities across science content, reading, writing, listening and speaking, vocabulary, science inquiry, nature of science, and extensions for diverse learners. A portion of the Soil Habitat content is highlighted below:
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Soil Habitats Unit Example, Grades 2-3
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Interactive Investigations
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Four unit investigations for children include 1) Soil and Decomposition, 2) Building a Habitat, 3) Animals and Adaptations, and 4) Conducting Investigations.
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Books
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Nine age-appropriate books engage students in Doing, Talking, Reading and Writing. For example, Into the Soil introduces the subject of soil and relevant vocabulary through playful riddles.
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Inquiry Abilities
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Students gain inquiry abilities such as comprehension, locating information, acquiring scientific language, participating in scientific discourse, making observations, and taking notes in project-based learning groups.
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Project-Based Learning Activities
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Hands-on activities include planning, building and studying a terrarium habitat, exploring roots, learning about earthworms and isopods, observing leaf litter, examining soil, and more.
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Source: www.scienceandliteracy.org
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Coaching and Evaluation
Central Valley Afterschool Foundation (CVAF) has observed student interest firsthand by providing technical assistance and coaching at the school sites to support instruction. “I have assessed all types of afterschool programs, and rarely do I see this kind of engagement in fourth through sixth grade students in particular. This is academic enrichment at its finest,” said Rico Peralta, Program Development Director for CVAF.
Fresno Unified will measure the academic results of the program through the district’s Research, Evaluation and Assessment department. Participating afterschool students will be compared to a nonparticipating group.
Starkweather already feels the program is a success. “So far, there are indications that students are improving in their reading and writing skills,” he said.
For more information: Glenn Starkweather,
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Seeds of Science/Roots of Reading: scienceandliteracy.org or deltaeducation.com/seeds/
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