TEXAS – Much has been said and written about the changes kids have had to adapt to over the past year when it comes to school. But many educators argue the most important type of learning happens outside the classroom.
Which is why after-school programs are doing what they can to keep up, including the Andy Roddick Foundation (ARF).
After a long day cooped up at home thanks to virtual learning, all four Naranjo-Ruiz kids often run around in the yard, letting it all out.
Their mom, Araceli Naranjo, says all the running and screaming is normal.
For a few years, Xiomara Naranjo-Ruiz, a fifth-grader, and Jorge Naranjo-Ruiz, a fourth-grader, have attended after-school programs through the Andy Roddick Foundation.
The group's mission is to help kids connect what they're learning in the classroom to their everyday lives. To put it simply – to help kids find their passion.
"And go with that passion, and pursue different things in life and different interests," says Erikah Padilla with ARF.
Like so many other things lately, the program went virtual. ARF sent packs of materials to kids at home to follow along with different projects.
This year's theme ended up being kind of ironic: exploring the world.
"We started broad with outer space," Padilla explains. "Then we zoomed in to Earth and they learned about how to take care of the Earth, and different ways they can help the environment."
"If I just throw something at the ground, it will make me think, 'What am I doing to the world and how am I harming it,'" says Xiomara.
"Then we zoomed in even further and we learned about the seven continents and different landmarks within those continents," says Padilla.
When asked where they want to visit after learning about different countries, Jorge said he wanted to see Japan and Xiomara wants to see Italy and the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
Araceli Naranjo says it's pretty amazing to see her kids learn where they can go and what they can learn through Google Earth.
"It keeps their mind away from school work and they just forget that they're at home,” she said, adding, "They're more aware of the people and how to be grateful for the things we have, the people that we have."