Over the summer, Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County began implementing The Juice program into the daily curriculum at the Clubs. Tailored to engage students from grades 5-12, The Juice offers a unique blend of current events, literacy, and skill building exercises.
At the core of The Juice program are five carefully selected current events articles, thoughtfully curated to cater to learners at four distinct reading levels. This diversity ensures that members of all proficiency levels can access and engage with the content effectively. Each article is more than just a simple news piece; it’s a gateway to enriching vocabulary, thanks to the accompanying vocabulary builders. Additionally, formative standards-based assessments are thoughtfully incorporated, allowing Club educators to gauge and enhance Club members’ understanding of the material.
The Juice also incorporates engaging infographics, Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) articles, and captivating STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) video content. This multifaceted approach ensures that members not only stay informed but also develop crucial life skills and a passion for STEAM subjects.
Each night their team of educators and journalists create original content so it is fresh in the morning. By 6 AM every school day, the Clubs receive news and feature articles, related instructional materials, and formative assessments to support engagement and rigor in the classroom.
“They went home and discussed the things that they learned in the articles with their families each day, so that sparked a lot of parent involvement and parent and child interaction that these kids normally may not have,” stated Latishia Hollis-Rolle, Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County Educator.
The Juice has played a pivotal role in combating the dreaded “summer slide,” by delivering a curriculum that Club members genuinely find enjoyable. By keeping young minds engaged and active over the summer break, The Juice not only prevents learning loss but also equips Club members with a more extensive vocabulary and the skills necessary to excel in the upcoming grade level. This aspect of the program is particularly crucial, as it ensures that members are well-prepared for the academic challenges that lie ahead.
To learn more about The Juice at Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County, click the video below.
