This section includes voices from the OST field that describes practices with children and youth. It includes guest blogs, vlogs (video blogs), photo essays, and narratives by practitioners reflecting on lessons and learning in the area of instructional and program design that supports program quality in out-of-school time programs.
We accept submissions from practitioners in the OST field. For more information about submitting your work, contact our executive editor Molly Bloom.
Explore & Download These Resources
Story of a Goose: Creating an Afterschool Culture that Matters!
Drawing on the parable of geese flying in formation, this essay describes how professional development can instill the need for creating a welcoming and supportive culture in the afterschool context.
The Plague of Broken Crayons and the Heads that Haunt Us
A heartfelt essay by a program manager about the critical need to provide children and youth with quality materials. Her position is the neglect to do so reflects a generate lack of regard for the needs of children and youth.
The Language of Spaces
This photoessay describes Mighty Writers El Futuro, an OST program in Philadelphia that intentionally designs its space to be welcoming to new immigrant children, as well as to encourage creativity, academic and social learning.
