Enrichment Activities

 

The children in Twice As Smart are given opportunities to integrate reading, writing and mathematics with expressive arts, such as music, creative writing and movement, all of which  open new avenues of self-expression. Field trips and guest speakers expand their interests and enable the children to engage with the world through body, mind and heart.

 

Recent examples of Twice As Smart’s activities include:

 

Musical Performances The children have learned by heart a repertoire of songs they present in the program, Where Is the Kindness? Songs of Homelessness, Migration and Immigration. They have sung in Greenfield at:

• Opening convocation for teachers and staff of Greenfield Public Schools on August 26, 2024

• All Souls Church

• First United Methodist Church

• Second Congregational Church

• Greenfield Community College, Martin Luther King Day Commemoration 

• Greenfield Community College spring performance

• Greenfield Community College Inauguration of President Michelle Schutt

• Multiple performances in the community by the Twice As Smart Singers

 

Art Show and written statements on Why I Go to School at the Lava Center in Greenfield. The art show was sponsored by the Traprock Center for Peace and Justice.

 

Original Play The People That Inspire Us about prominent Black and Brown individuals in history.

 

Display of children’s art work and program information at Greenfield Savings Bank.

 

Special Activities and Field Trips

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• State Sen. Jo Comerford led a discussion with the children about their rights and duties in a democracy.

• Monthly improvisational theater games with clinical social worker, Heidi Haas

• Visit to tree farm and maple sugar operation

• Presentations about money by the President and Manager of Greenfield Savings Bank

• Hands-on experience at Launch Space, a community maker space

• Visits to

  • Basketball Hall of Fame

  • Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art

  • Beneski Museum of Natural History at Amherst College

• Participation in

  • Greenfield Community College’s Activity Night

  • Greenfield Community College’s Youth Festival

  • An afternoon of improvisational theater and circus arts with Hilltown Youth Theater

  • Outdoor education field trip with Mount Grace Land Trust

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Partnership with Greenfield Community College

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Twice As Smart has developed a partnership with Dr. Peggy Martalock, Associate Professor and Chair of Greenfield Community College's Education Department. The Department’s Creative Thinking & Learning Studio is the focal point for the partnership. TAS students meet with Dr. Martalock in the Studio once a month during each semester. TAS students engage in hands on activities and emergent projects where they have agency as learning partners. The intention is to encourage and support curiosity, autonomy, communication, and creative thinking. This approach builds confidence and demonstrates respect for the children as strong thinkers and doers with a vital role in their communities.