This coming school year already feels different. Many families and educators are preparing for a return to school buildings and looking forward to resuming some sense of normalcy. Some families have discovered that self-paced learning at home is the best fit for their students. And just like that, we find ourselves better prepared than ever before for a whole range of learning options for our students.
Many folks are asking how we can help students catch up from lost time and lapses in classroom learning. As we prepare for this coming school year, it’s important to recognize how much our students have actually gained this past year. Resiliency was put to the test, as students refined this critical life skill and practiced patience and ingenuity. Taking on the challenge of mastering new learning platforms and virtual meeting technology has provided even our youngest learners with important job skills that many adults spent the last year learning themselves.
ACPE has FREE resources to engage elementary students to take important steps towards their future.
When it comes to early job skills and preparation for the future, ACPE brings fun, engaging elements to virtual, in-person, or homeschool classrooms. With free digital or print resources, ample teacher support, and virtual volunteers, ACPE can help transform academic lessons into exciting exploratory activities with caring adults!
Early Career Explorers – Downloadable activities help our youngest students learn basic letter formation and spelling, understand that diverse careers strengthen our communities, and connect academic foundations to future career opportunities through exploratory activities. Synchronous and Asynchronous options. (Grades PK-4)
I Know I Can – Volunteers read and discuss the story of a group of animal friends trying to figure out what jobs they want to have when they grow up. Optional Zoom Break Out groups allow volunteers to work with smaller groups of students as they draw pictures of their career dreams. Students can share their dreams with the class to develop early public speaking skills. Synchronous and Asynchronous options. (Grades 1-3)
Kids2College – Six lessons include college & career exploration, Google Slide presentation templates, Fillable, PDF, or print curriculum, virtual or video college & career panels, virtual campus tours, parent tips, and assistance from ACPE staff to help make this program a success. All materials are available in print or digital format. Student, Teacher, and Parent Resource tabs make it easy for everyone to find exactly what they need. Synchronous and Asynchronous options. (Grades 5-8)
Contact shelly.morgan@alaska.gov or 907-269-7972 for more information on ACPE’s FREE College & Career Exploration Resources for student success (PK-8).
About the Author
Shelly Morgan
K-12 Specialist
An avid gardener and student advocate, Shelly enjoys planting seeds, nurturing them, and watching them grow! She works with educators, students, volunteers, and postsecondary institutions across Alaska, helping students identify and reach for their dreams.