Out of School Time Essentials

Praise says: “You’re smart.”
Encouragement says: “You didn’t give up.”
One builds image. The other builds resilience.

“You worked really hard on that.”
Encouragement focuses on effort—not just results.

Encouragement builds growth.
Praise highlights outcomes.
Both matter—but they’re not the same.

By fostering curiosity, programs help youth develop habits that support lifelong learning.

Curiosity leads to investigation.
Investigation leads to understanding.

Instead of simply giving answers, inquiry-based learning encourages youth to investigate and discover.

Inquiry-based learning begins with curiosity.
When youth ask questions, learning becomes an exploration.

Resilient programs are built on flexible leadership.
When plans change, learning continues.

Plans don’t always unfold perfectly.
Strong educators know how to adapt on the fly while keeping learning moving forward.

Intentional planning replaces random activity.
Two objectives bring clarity to instruction and reflection.

One objective focuses on content.
The other focuses on a Habit of Mind or social-emotional skill.
Balanced learning creates stronger outcomes.

Fun is great.
Purpose is better.
Two objectives ensure every activity builds both skill and character.