#Educational Enrichment

[delicatelysublimeforester]

Science Literacy Week: September 18-24 – Fostering Curiosity and Knowledge in Saskatchewan Schools

[educationhubtexas]

Explore how motivational speakers, like Billy Riggs, can bolster teacher training programs. Discover the positive impact of inspiration in education and professional development.

[rungssparemodelpieces]

Enrichment

Takes place in @tinydefector Merformers AU either as a side story or separate continuity! Thank you for the inspiration!

The scent of salty brine filled the air as it was just another quiet day at the marine centre. With few eyes to observe the Oceanides at the center, be it for research or recreationally, a pair of blue eyes decided to take up the mantel as Rung observed the few humans that were wandering around, finding their interactions quite assuming as he liked to compare how similar their behaviors were to Oceanides. He liked watching people and would sometimes try to mimic some of their mannerisms such as a hand wave or a grin though these have been met with mixed results or confusion from the caretakers feeding or observing him. He knew from experience furrowed brows weren’t a good sign but he was still trying to learn how to at least communicate back in a way they could understand.

With Rung being an older Mer, he would stay back more at the center, balancing the solace he got in his alcove with hunting and interacting with his pod. Though he didn’t seem like the most active member, he did show a habit of decorating his area with an odd array of trinkets, some assumed to be from previous hunts such as large and unknown bones or manmade items like used car parts or toys that were either lost or dumped into the ocean. The marine centre has tried to remove or replace the pollutants but Rung has been rather shown to have an attachment towards these items. To counteract this, you were instructed to work on finding other items for him to collect and display that were found in his natural environment.

It was enrichment, or so that’s what Dr. Quin called it and for an Oceanides so old, it was a good way to keep his skills sharp and to give him exercise while staying around the area. When Rung went out hunting with his pod, you would dive in and scatter these trinkets for him to find. You’ve even buried or hid a few to see if he could find them and problem solving how to get them out. Rung seems excited to find new treasures for his trove, chirping and showing you when he found one before going back for more.

This arrangement has been your personal project for months as others focused more on the lone baby and the next generation of Oceanides. So far you’ve found success with shells, bones, coral, and oddly shaped rocks but it seemed as of recent, he was struggling to find items that were near him or even in plain sight, feeling around until he eventually found the object in question. In light of this new problem, you’ve been taking the day to observe him, wondering what you could do to help his decline in his quality of life here.

It seemed the answer was closer than you speculated as while adjusting some rocks around Rung’s sleeping area, a small splash caught his attention as he saw a strange piece of plastic flutter down, swimming over cautiously as the object hit the sandy floor with a poof. Once the sand settled, he noticed the item was an odd contraption he noticed some humans wore on their faces, perhaps to assist with their vision or to distinguish one from another.

Carefully, Rung picked up the glasses and out of curiosity, placed them on his face. It took a few tries as the sides of the frame poked at his gills but eventually, he was able to place them comfortably on his face. Looking through the clear glass, it became very apparent to him that the theory this device helped with vision was correct as he looked around, seeming the lagoon around him in better detail.

The stones and shells that lined the sand became more defined and he was able to notice more of the colorful details the small fish that fluttered in and out displayed. With this realization, Rung started to happily swim around and look around the lagoon with a new, clearer perspective.

~~

Meanwhile, you were helping an intern at the marine centre pick up some papers as she bumped into you, barely able to see over their own papers. The fledgling intern, Donna, squinted hard as she tried to find all the notes that had scattered in the collision.

“Is something wrong?” You asked as she seemed to be panicked, scrambling to find something more important than her notes.

“I- I can’t find my glasses,” Donna muttered as she tried her best to find them, her searching more erratic before she turned towards the open water, fear clear on her face, “I think- I think they might have fallen in when I bumped into you.”

You gave her a pat on the shoulder in an attempt to reassure her there was nothing to worry about. “It’ll be fine, we can get them back, Shrimp’s easy going and won’t mind if we pop in to retrieve them.”

With that, you leaned over the railing briefly, trying to get a hint of where Shrimp was before noting the flash of orange and white darting the water below, deciding to call out to him to see if he would respond or if he was in distress.

“Shrimp!” With the call of his name, Rung poked his head out of the water, his blue eyes appearing much larger due to the glasses he was wearing. A small chuckle escaped your lips as you called him over, finding the image quite humorous.

“It seems Shrimp decided to try on your glasses,” you commented to Donna before leaning down closer to Rung’e eye level, a bittersweet smile on their face as you held out your hand. “I’m sorry I have to ask but I need those glasses back.”

Rung dipped his head mostly in the water at this request, not wanting to lose this tool that he was just starting to enjoy. A rumble of his gills caused the water to ripple out around him as he pouted in disapproval.

“Look, I’ll ask Quin if we can find you another pair but Donna needs those back so she can see,” you asked him, the Mer still not relenting as a burb of bubbles left his mouth as if sighing.

“I promise I’ll get you another pair, you have my word.” A few moments later, he conceded, handing the glasses back before retreating under the water before you could thank him, obviously sad about returning the glasses but seemingly understood that Donna needed them back.

Returning the glasses, Donna thanked you before scurrying away, your focus returning to the lagoon for a brief moment before returning back to the facility proper.

~~

“You’re requesting glasses, is that correct?” Dr. Quin attempted to clarify as she looked at your request for numerous pairs of waterproof glasses. The request was odd, to say the least, but she wanted to hear you out first before making her decision.

“Yes,” you stated before explaining yourself, “Earlier today, Donna’s glasses ended up near Shrimp in the lagoon and looking the video feed from that time, it seemed he not only enjoy playing with them but benefited from wearing them. He was swimming around excitedly and interacting like he could fully see his environment! I think giving him the option to choose and wear some would help him greatly… and I did promise him I would give him another pair to wear.”

You rubbed your arm nervously, knowing it was a long shot, but seeing at least one Mer so happy, especially with priorities being with the future generations of Oceanides, it made you feel like you could at least help one in the long run, a minor victory on the road ahead.

“Then we better find him a pair that works,” Dr. Quin stated as she signed her name for approval, a hum in her voice before being cut off by a hug and thank you from you, a pat on the back signaling you to lighten up on the embrace, “And besides, I don’t want you to break a promise.”

Excited, you thanked her once more before starting the process of finding glasses that might fit an Oceanides more comfortably.

~~

Rung poked at the sand that lined the floor of the lagoon, prodding under the dark blur he assumed was a rock or perhaps an clam before he heard you call him by the nickname you gave him, curious as it wasn’t feeding time yet. Perhaps it was another medical check, especially given his age.

Either way, he swam to the surface to find you kneeling down by the shore, a strange box in hand and an excited look on your face. “Hey, Shrimp, remember that promise I made about the glasses? Well, I kept it,” you mused before handing him a pair, “I hope these work for you.”

Upon realizing what you had, Rung excitedly took the glasses, putting them on and… frowning it seemed these frames made his vision worse, taking them off as the blurriness hurt his head.

“Oh, it seems those don’t work for you,” he mused, offering a different pair to him, “I have a few pairs until we find the right ones for you.” Through some trial and error, it seemed he found the perfect pair, big blue orbs staring at you as he swished his tail happily, the air being filled with a few melodic hums of excitement.

Though through your eyes, Shrimp was excited to see clearly again, Rung was ecstatic that the first thing he saw clearly again was your face. The way that your hair clung around your face, the light crisp from the sea water, the smile on your lips, slightly chapped from working outside and in the water, it was all so incredible to him. You were incredible to him and it made him feel something, something deep and primal that stirred inside him as he trilled in thanks before diving back down to the depths. He was searching for something, something that would interest you, something that would show he had interest in you, and maybe, just maybe, be able to communicate what you mean to him.

[oh-cramity-its-amity]

no yeah dont ever underestimate my guilty pleasure for YA wlw romance novels that feel like rom coms about two losers (affectionate) being dumb and then somehow falling in love. what do u want from me. i literally just read an entire book in like under a day. was it good? sorta?? BUT THE THING IS you literally dont take it super seriously. dont overthink it. its literally just there for the vibes and silly feelings. OH i forgot how much i literally used to EAT these books up as a teen. like i would not go anywhere without a ya romance book in my hands. i was THAT person. irl romance? nahhh. give me that silly meetcute situation between characters. guess that translated well to fanfic.

[rocketbirdie]

mutuals do this to me

[pokemonranch]

Howdy, boss. I'd like some input on my Metagross, King Joe. He did a great job at an exhibition match the other day, and I'd like to do something nice for him, but I'm not really sure what the best way is to show a thousand-pound metal quadpod you care. Joe likes treats and headpats and stuff fine, but I guess I'd like to do something a little more... bespoke? Any ideas?

Like other super-smart Psychic 'mons, Metagross can be tricky to find something for them to enjoy. They have very distinctive personalities, and you know him better than me, so I'll give you a couple ideas and you can choose and retouch any of them to fit Joe's likes!

If he likes problem-solving or using his Psychic powers, there are puzzle toys to exercise their minds, similar to a many-sided Rubik's cube, but a Metagross may be too smart for those. Other options are, weirdly 'nough, Porygon-friendly machines and other programs! As said, Metagross are extremely smart, and they can use their brainwaves to communicate with other of their species; but they can also use it to mess with technology as well. Using stuff made for Porygon and Rotom can help him exercise his brain(s) without risking your own laptop being fried.

Lastly, if you don't mind it not being a surprise, you can... Ask him? They are smart enough to comprehend your intentions and you can take him to one of those super big Pokemarts, like the one in Veilstone, to pick something he wants.

[ink-asunder]

The post that goes "maybe it seems pretentious to you because you only watch bluey," but this time including the inverse "maybe you only think bluey is 'deep and meaningful for a kids show' because it's the only kids show you watch."

[folk-enjoyer]

[careercounsellors]

Beyond the Classroom: Exploring Enrichment Programs for Children

In today's fast-paced world, parents are increasingly seeking opportunities to provide their children with experiences that go beyond traditional classroom learning. Enrichment programs for children offer a wealth of benefits, from academic enrichment to creative exploration and social development. In this blog post, we'll delve into the world of enrichment programs, exploring the various types available, the benefits they offer, and how parents can choose the right programs for their children.

Understanding Enrichment Programs for Children

Enrichment programs for children are designed to complement and enhance traditional education by providing opportunities for additional learning, skill development, and personal growth. These programs come in various forms, catering to different interests, talents, and age groups.

Types of Enrichment Programs for Children

Academic Enrichment: Academic enrichment programs focus on enhancing children's academic skills and knowledge in specific subjects such as maths, science, language arts, and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). These programs often incorporate hands-on activities, experiments, and projects to make learning engaging and interactive.

Skill-based Enrichment: Skill-based enrichment programs aim to develop children's practical skills and talents in areas such as music, art, sports, coding, robotics, and culinary arts. These programs provide opportunities for children to explore their interests, discover new passions, and develop valuable skills that can benefit them both academically and personally.

Creative Enrichment: Creative enrichment programs focus on nurturing children's creativity, imagination, and self-expression through activities such as drama, dance, theater, creative writing, and visual arts. These programs encourage children to explore their artistic abilities, experiment with different mediums, and express themselves in meaningful ways.

Benefits of Enrichment Programs for Children

Academic Enrichment and Cognitive Development: Academic enrichment programs provide children with opportunities to deepen their understanding of core subjects and develop essential academic skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical reasoning. By engaging in hands-on activities, experiments, and projects, children not only reinforce what they've learned in the classroom but also gain a deeper appreciation for the subject matter. Narrative: Emily, a sixth-grade student, struggled with maths in school. However, after enrolling in an after-school maths enrichment program, she discovered a newfound love for numbers. Through hands-on activities and games, she began to see maths in a different light, finding joy in solving problems and exploring mathematical concepts. As her confidence grew, so did her grades, and she soon became one of the top maths students in her class.

Skill-based Enrichment and Practical Learning: Skill-based enrichment programs offer children the opportunity to develop practical skills and talents that can benefit them in various aspects of their lives. Whether it's learning to play a musical instrument, mastering a new sport, or honing their coding skills, these programs provide a supportive environment for children to explore their interests, build confidence, and achieve their goals. Narrative: James, an aspiring young musician, dreamt of playing the guitar but didn't know where to start. With the support of his parents, he enrolled in a music enrichment program at a local community center. Under the guidance of experienced instructors, James learned the fundamentals of music theory, technique, and performance. With each lesson, he grew more confident and proficient, eventually showcasing his skills at a recital for family and friends. Today, James continues to pursue his passion for music, playing in a band and composing his own songs.

Creative Enrichment and Artistic Expression: Creative enrichment programs provide children with opportunities to explore their artistic abilities, unleash their imagination, and express themselves in meaningful ways. Whether it's painting, drawing, acting, or dancing, these programs foster creativity, self-confidence, and a sense of identity. Narrative: Sarah, a shy and reserved nine-year-old, struggled to express herself verbally. However, when she discovered a passion for painting in an art enrichment program, she found a new way to communicate and connect with others. Through her artwork, Sarah expressed her thoughts, feelings, and emotions in vibrant colors and bold strokes. With each painting, she gained confidence and a sense of empowerment, eventually sharing her work with the world at a local art exhibition. Today, Sarah continues to use art as a form of self-expression and advocacy, inspiring others with her creativity and courage.

Social and Emotional Development: Enrichment programs provide children with opportunities to interact with peers, collaborate on projects, and develop essential social and emotional skills such as communication, teamwork, empathy, and resilience. By participating in group activities, discussions, and games, children learn to navigate social dynamics, build meaningful relationships, and develop a sense of belonging and community. Narrative: Daniel, a ten-year-old with autism spectrum disorder, struggled to connect with his peers and engage in social interactions. However, when he joined a theater enrichment program for children with special needs, he found a supportive and inclusive environment where he could express himself freely and connect with others through the power of storytelling. Through drama games, improvisation exercises, and group performances, Daniel learned to communicate effectively, collaborate with his peers, and express his emotions in constructive ways. With each rehearsal, he grew more confident and self-assured, eventually starring in a school play and inspiring others with his talent and resilience.

Overcoming Common Barriers to Participation

Despite the numerous benefits of enrichment programs, many parents face common barriers when it comes to enrolling their children in these programs. However, with proactive planning and creative solutions, these barriers can be overcome.

Financial Constraints and AffordabilityMany parents hesitate to enroll their children in enrichment programs due to financial constraints. However, there are often affordable or free options available, such as community-based programs, scholarships, and sliding-scale fees. Additionally, some programs offer payment plans or discounts for families with limited financial means. By exploring different options and resources, parents can find enrichment programs that fit within their budget and offer excellent value for money.

Time Constraints and Scheduling ConflictsBalancing children's enrichment activities with other commitments such as school, extracurriculars, and family obligations can be challenging. However, by carefully managing schedules and prioritizing activities, parents can create time for enrichment programs. Consider enrolling children in programs that offer flexible scheduling options, such as weekend classes, evening sessions, or online courses, that fit into your family's routine.

Access and AvailabilityAccess to enrichment programs can vary depending on factors such as location, transportation, and resources. However, there are often local community centers, libraries, schools, and online platforms that offer a variety of enrichment programs for children. Additionally, some programs provide transportation services or virtual options for families who may face barriers to access. By exploring different resources and reaching out to community organizations, parents can find enrichment programs that are accessible and inclusive for their children.

Choosing the Right Enrichment Program for Your Child

With so many enrichment programs available, choosing the right one for your child can feel overwhelming. However, by considering your child's interests, strengths, and areas for growth, as well as logistical factors such as location, schedule, and cost, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your child's needs and preferences.

Assessing Your Child's Interests and Goals: Start by talking to your child about their interests, passions, and goals. What subjects or activities do they enjoy? What skills or talents would they like to develop? By understanding your child's interests and aspirations, you can narrow down your options and focus on programs that are meaningful and relevant to them.

Researching Available Programs and Resources: Once you have a sense of your child's interests, research available programs and resources in your community. Look for programs that align with your child's interests and offer a comprehensive curriculum, experienced instructors, and positive reviews from past participants. Consider exploring online platforms and virtual programs that provide flexibility and convenience for busy families.

Considering Logistical Factors: When choosing an enrichment program, consider logistical factors such as location, schedule, and cost. Choose a program that is conveniently located and fits into your family's routine. Look for programs with flexible scheduling options, such as evening or weekend classes, that accommodate your child's other commitments. Additionally, consider the cost of the program and whether financial assistance or scholarships are available for families in need.

Seeking Recommendations and Reviews: Finally, don't hesitate to seek recommendations and reviews from other parents, educators, and community members who have experience with enrichment programs. Talk to friends, neighbours, and colleagues who may have enrolled their children in similar programs and ask for their insights and recommendations. Additionally, read online reviews and testimonials to get a sense of the program's quality and reputation.

Tips for Maximising the Benefits

Once you've chosen an enrichment program for your child, there are several strategies you can use to maximize the benefits and support your child's growth and development.

Set Clear Goals and Expectations: Start by setting clear goals and expectations for your child's participation in the program. What do you hope they will gain from the experience? Whether it's improving academic skills, developing a new talent, or building social connections, articulate your goals and discuss them with your child to ensure alignment and motivation.

Encourage Active Engagement and Participation: Encourage your child to actively engage in the program by participating in class discussions, completing assignments, and seeking feedback from instructors. Encourage them to ask questions, share their ideas, and collaborate with their peers. By taking an active role in the learning process, your child will deepen their understanding and retention of the material and develop important skills such as critical thinking and communication.

Provide Support and Encouragement at Home: Support your child's participation in the enrichment program by providing encouragement and support at home. Help them with homework or practice assignments, attend performances or showcases, and celebrate their achievements and progress. Create a positive and nurturing environment where your child feels empowered to explore their interests and pursue their passions.

Recognise and Celebrate Achievements: Finally, recognise and celebrate your child's achievements and milestones throughout the program. Whether it's mastering a new skill, completing a project, or overcoming a challenge, acknowledge their efforts and celebrate their successes. By celebrating their achievements, you'll boost their confidence, motivation, and sense of accomplishment, encouraging them to continue exploring their interests and pursuing their goals.

Case Studies: Real-Life Examples of Successful Participation

To illustrate the transformative impact of enrichment programs, let's explore some real-life examples of children who have benefited from their participation.

Academic Enrichment: Mia's Journey to Mathematical Mastery: Mia, a fourth-grade student, struggled with maths in school. However, after enrolling in an after-school maths enrichment program, she discovered a newfound love for numbers. Through hands-on activities, games, and projects, Mia gained a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts and developed essential skills such as problem-solving and critical thinking. With each lesson, her confidence grew, and she soon became one of the top maths students in her class. Today, Mia excels in maths and attributes her success to the support and encouragement she received in the enrichment program.

Skill-based Enrichment: Ethan's Quest for Musical Mastery: Ethan, a talented young musician, dreamt of mastering the piano but didn't know where to start. With the support of his parents, he enrolled in a music enrichment program at a local community center. Under the guidance of experienced instructors, Ethan learned the fundamentals of music theory, technique, and performance. With each lesson, he grew more confident and proficient, eventually showcasing his skills at a recital for family and friends. Today, Ethan continues to pursue his passion for music, playing in a band and composing his own songs, thanks to the foundation he built in the enrichment program.

Creative Enrichment: Ava's Journey of Self-Discovery through Art: Ava, a quiet and introspective eight-year-old, struggled to express herself verbally. However, when she joined an art enrichment program, she found a new way to communicate and connect with others through painting and drawing. Through her artwork, Ava expressed her thoughts, feelings, and emotions in vibrant colours and bold strokes. With each painting, she gained confidence and a sense of empowerment, eventually sharing her work with the world at a local art exhibition. Today, Ava continues to use art as a form of self-expression and advocacy, inspiring others with her creativity and courage.

Conclusion

Enrichment programs for children offer a wealth of benefits, from academic enrichment to creative exploration and social development. By providing children with opportunities to explore their interests, develop new skills, and connect with others, these programs play a crucial role in supporting their growth and development. Whether it's mastering a new subject, discovering a passion, or building lifelong friendships, enrichment programs empower children to reach their full potential and thrive in all areas of their lives. So why wait? Explore the world of enrichment programs and give your child the gift of limitless possibilities.

[came0dust]

i cannot keep drawing this dude on my phone but god do i love drawing him (+ bonus colors)

[405blazeitt]

the ranboo/slimecicle/sneegsnag wolfquest vod is reminding me that not everyone knows basic wolf ecology and behavior like

they've got 3 wolves and they decided to attack some bison

(all 3 wolves were killed multiple times)

[asfarion]

every time i think abt how unschooling affected me i just get so sad lmao. everyone i can possibly think of has had such a drastically different life experience and i cant relate to anyone because of it. no matter how much i try to explain it, nobody actually gets it. i barely even feel like a human.

[iamidentical]

there's this one person on tumblr who makes my eyelid twitch and it's someone who's loud and proud about using german on their blog (great in principle!)... it's just that they keep sharing blatant falsehoods about the language as fact, often with really bizarrely wrong grammar.... it honestly sounds like they got halfway through a duolingo course and now they're a German Speaker gawd it makes me angry. you can't teach before you've learned ✌🏻

[silverspleen]

The aforementioned dead patient was something I had been wondering about for a while, the three kinds of death you run into at the hospital as a cardiac sonographer are -

They did not call to cancel the echo order, the nurse is not there to tell you not to go into the patient's room, and the patient is lying in their bed but they are actually just straight up dead and not hooked up to anything and it takes you a minute or two to go, "hold on a fucking second... this person is DEAD" and then you float around the entrance of the room until the nurse shows up to be like "don't go in there!! patient expired!!" and you get to be like "m-hm YEAH I KNOW. Cancel the order." And you are disgruntled at the team for a. wasting your time and b. interrupting the final sleep of some poor person where you were very nearly lightly disrespectful to a corpse (by trying to shake them gently awake and putting stickers on them, as you do to asleep patients)

They called you because there is literally a Code Blue crisis situation happening and there's twenty people in the room, possibly doing CPR or giving meds or giving blood, like a well-oiled machine where you are a massive interloper with your giant ass ultrasound machine being in the way and asking "when do you want pictures? what do you want to see?", and you either get to scan before, during, or after lifesaving procedures, and if you (not the patient, not the family, for this will be a tragedy) are very, very lucky you may get pictures after the patient's heart has stopped moving but before they call the end of the code (and declare the patient officially dead) which means you are there, in the room, not-so-gently (because those pictures are hard to get after CPR) smashing on someone's chest with a piece of plastic as they die and you get to see the heart stop and the blood clot up almost immediately, and it's funny to see something that moves so much not doing much of anything at all.

This patient is already considered braindead and literally being kept alive with machines and they need pictures for organ donation ASAP I hope you know how to burn a CD

And by wondering about I mean, wanted to experience, because I'm a morbid fucker who works in a hospital and wonders about death in a hospital and how it works and what it's like, because that's a crisis situation not many people get to experience in their lives and good news! These are all things I have actually experienced as a cardiac imaging tech in the hospital. Writing it down is funny because I did not expect the trajectory of my life to go in that direction even at all.

[echos-gal]

Omega would come up to Tech one day with a minor finger cut that needs attention, and would tell him that she heard that in some cultures, parents will give their child's injury a little kiss after patching it up.

Tech insists that there is no scientific evidence showing that kisses speed injury recovery, and that it was more likely a behavior meant to soothe a distressed child. Omega looks slightly disappointed.

Nonetheless, after a thorough cleaning of the affected area, application of antibacterial spray, precise bandaging, and a slightly awkward pause, Omega's finger does receive a little smooch.

[lord-woolsley]

Listen, listen… the DnD boys talked about an Alpha (they meant the Greek letter) and I totally misinterpreted it and had to (as a consequence) explain the existence of the Omegaverse to them today, and I think I just lost ten years of my life. That‘s a can of worms I opened.