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Kids on the Move: Afterschool Programs Promoting Healthy Eating and Physical Activity is a special report completed as part of the Afterschool Alliance’s study, America After 3 PM. The publication concentrates on parents’ reports of efforts made by afterschool programs to help improve the health and physical fitness of children and youth around the country. It also describes areas where afterschool programs can better meet the needs of students and families when it comes to health and wellness and outlines steps afterschool programs can take to help make positive change for students’ overall health.

The beginning of the school year means a new beginning-and new students. This blog post from Educational Technology and Mobile Learning lists several ice breaker activities that educators can use to help students get to know each other. There is also an infographic to print or share on social media.

The National AfterSchool Association and the Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation have partnered to provide the “Enrichment Zone,” a free curriculum for afterschool programs focused on promoting energy balance. The Enrichment Zone resources explain to students the concepts of “Energy In” (food and nutrition-related activities) and “Energy Out” (physical activities). It focuses particularly on the “Energy Out” aspect to help afterschool programs guarantee students get the daily 60 minutes of physical activity recommended by the National Afterschool Association Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Standards.

As part of its 15-Minute Webinar Series on engaging youth in language and literacy, the National AfterSchool Association has shared several activities related to the topic. Titles include Building Community and English Language Skills in OST, Engaging OST Youth in Language and Literacy through Art, Score! Engaging OST Youth in Language and Literacy through Sports, and Cooking Up English Language Learning in OST.

This research brief from Active Living Research summarizes the growing body of evidence showing that physical activity and fitness can benefit both health and academic performance for children. The brief reviews published scientific articles that examine how physical activity and fitness may help school-aged children maximize their academic performance. It also provides an overview of the effects of physical activity on the developing brain. Afterschool programs who want to demonstrate the importance of including physical activity in their programs will want to consult this brief.

This webinar recording from Dialogue4Health explores how out-of-school time staff can help young people eat healthy and stay active. The recording presents childhood obesity statistics, the National Afterschool Association’s Standards for Healthy Eating and Physical Activity, examples of how afterschool programs are implementing the standards, and professional development resources.

Afterschool programs are considered pioneers in applying a connected learning approach-creating a learning environment for students that builds on their interests; introduces them to new passions; provides mentors and a supportive peer network; and links this engagement to academics, careers, and civic participation. Afterschool Programs: Inspiring Students with a Connected Learning Approach, a report from the Afterschool Alliance, discusses the role of afterschool programs in connected learning. It also provides examples of afterschool programs that are offering connected learning opportunities that join together their students’ interests, peer networks, and academics, as well as key takeaways from programs.

Produced by the National Institute on Out-of-School Time, this report provides results from a longitudinal physical activity study in five elementary schools with a particular focus on “BOKS,” a before-school physical activity program sponsored by Reebok. The study aims to examine and document social, nutritional knowledge, and physical activity outcomes associated with participation in BOKS over time.

Looking for some fun fall crafts to do in your afterschool program? This Pinterest board from the National Afterschool Association contains several fall owl crafts and activities that you can do with your students.

The Alliance for a Healthier Generation works with schools, companies, community organizations, healthcare professionals and families to transform the conditions and systems that lead to healthier kids. The organization provides resources for out-of-school time providers, state-specific statistics, and an e-newsletter. There is also a framework to help out-of-school providers improve access to healthier foods, increase physical activity opportunities, and emphasize youth engagement.