Lights on Afterschool Celebration

The Afterschool Alliance celebrated the 10th Annual Lights on Afterschool which included  more than 7,500 events nationwide. Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan recognized the importance of afterschool programs with his statement: Learning doesn't just happen in a classroom between school bells. Children learn all day long. So it's vital to give students and their families the tools, the facilities, and the opportunity to continue working on traditional academic subjects as well as a place for broader lessons in areas like art and music to enrich their lives. The Afterschool Alliance also released the results of a new study America After 3pm which reports how American children spend their afternoons.



 

Flow Circus was on tour in the Washington, DC area during Lights on Afterschool and helped the Greater Washington Boys & Girls Club celebrate the event with a performance of Read Yourself Silly.  Program director Ron Diokno commented after the show that the kids were simply too engaged and mesmerized. I guarantee you they had a great time, in fact, too much fun for one of our kids that couldn't stop laughing throughout the show!  If more activities were like this, then more of our kids would learn and be inspired to achieve in their own ways.



 

Flow Circus works with a number of wonderful afterschool programs throughout the year through both hands-on programs and performances. We wanted to highlight the importance of these vital programs by joining in this important celebration. We were happy to inspire the club members and staff with our playfulness.

We look forward to participating in the Lights on Afterschool celebration again next year.

 

Obama Kendama Goes to the White House

Dear Mr. President,

I'm sure you have received many gifts during your campaign and presidency, but I bet this personalized kendama is unique! This toy is popular in Japan and one of the many skill toys that I teach to children. During your presidential campaign, I realized that "Obama Kendama" had a nice ring to it. I sent it to artist Christopher Bordenca to paint your face on it and thus the Obama Kendama was born. To my knowledge it is the only one like it. During your campaign it traveled to Washington, D.C. and to one of your campaign rallies in North Carolina (there are videos of its travels on YouTube).

I have decided to send the Obama Kendama to you now because playing with the kendama exercises and develops the important 21st century skills that you outlined in your September 8th Back to School speech to students. At the same time, it draws attention to an important aspect of education that should not be overlooked - the critical hours between 3-6pm.

Stand Up and Be Counted - Library Budgets & the Latest Depression

I just watched American Library Association Executive Director Keith Michael Fiels discuss making a case for libraries in bad economic times.  I found it uplifting -- despite the topic.

Fiels identifies education, democracy, and driving force in economy as 3 main public services that libraries deliver.  He also points out that attendance and circulation has grown significantly during this economic downturn.

The irony: as libraries become more valuable to the community, their budgets are increasingly jeopardized.