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Dallas Afterschool Network partnered with Junior League of Metropolitan Dallas in Spring 2011 to deliver their "Kids in the Kitchen" curriculum to hundreds of low-income students.   The curriculum is a cooking, nutrition and fitness program designed to aide in the fight against child obesity and poor nutrition.  Twice a week the students cook snacks or small meals they can replicate at home. On the other days of the week, the students learn about the food pyramid and food properties.  The students may think they're just learning about food and nutrition, but afterschool program leaders know they are learning so much more.  By reading recipes and ingredients labels and doubling or halving the recipes, students are reinforcing literacy and math concepts learned during the school day.

But don't tell the kids that they're in English or math class.  As far as they're concerned, they're having fun afterschool and enjoying healthful, tasty snacks.  As one student at the Y said, "Some foods I didn't know we could make out of healthy foods".  Visit our photo gallery to view more photos from Kids in the Kitchen sites.

Another school year has started with DASN training hundreds of afterschool staff to help them provide safe and enriching afterschool experiences for the children they serve.  You won't find classroom lectures in DASN training workshops!  Our trainers believe in active learning through fun exercises and games.  After all, isn't that what afterschool is all about?  DASN seminars cover such topics as "Creating Fun Learning Environments," "Building LIteracy through the Arts" and "CRP and First Aid Training."  With more than 65 workshop titles, there is something for every level of afterschool employee, from Executive Director to Program Leader and Front Line Staff.  A complete listing of upcoming DASN training events is on our calendar.