Academics & Enrichment Archive

From field trips to science programs to music and plays, we know parent groups support all sorts of activities to make learning more exciting for kids. You'll find tons of enrichment ideas in the articles below. Find more helpful tools and info on the Academics & Enrichment resources page. (For articles about planning great teacher appreciation programs, go to the

• A Classroom Without Walls

  From fundraising to design to construction, here's what to know to create a beautiful and functional outdoor learning space for your school.

• PTO Problem-Solver: Support Student Enrichment by Growing Involvement

  Low parent participation hasn’t stopped you from getting things done, but the PTO’s impact will be even greater with more help. Check out these stories and tips to increase involvement, promote participation for all abilities, and enhance enrichment and learning.

• How To Book a Guest Speaker for Your Next School Program

  Thinking of bringing in a speaker or enrichment program for your next school assembly? Start by asking a potential guest speaker these questions.

• 10 Easy STEM Activities for Kids To Try at Your Next Family Night

  No Bill Nye the Science Guy around? No problem.

• Makerspace Basics

  These fun and flexible areas can help students develop creative and analytical thinking skills.

• 10 Ways To Bring Art Appreciation to Students

  Painting, drawing, and other art forms are the basis for awesome enrichment activities from school parent groups.

• 9 School Store Setup Tips and Ideas

  School stores can be a great way to serve students and earn money for your group, too. Here are some key points to consider when setting yours up.

• Deconstruction Zone

  Tech Take-Apart event required only donated electronics, a few tools, and students’ natural curiosity.

• How To Run a School Readathon

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  Tips and tools for putting together a readathon or other educational fundraiser.

• Experimenting With STEM

  Learning opportunities abound during a Massachusetts school's Crazy for Science week.

• Adding Fun and Learning to the After-School Hours

  Students get a chance to explore art and robotics in after-school clubs.

• 33 Ways To Spark Some Fun at Family Science Night 

  You don’t have to be a Ben Franklin or a Bill Nye to host a Family Science Night!

• It’s Academic! 10 Event Ideas Tied to the Curriculum

  There’s nothing more powerful than a fun event that involves lots of learning. Steal some of these ideas or use them as a springboard to create your own.

• Starry, Starry Night

  Maine elementary students enjoy an out-of-this-world astronomy event.

• Author Interview With Corinne Demas

  The Massachusetts children's author talks about getting kids excited about literacy.

• Author Interview With Chris Barton

  The Texas children's author talks about getting kids excited about literacy.

• 6 Craft Projects for Young Readers

  Help kids get excited about reading with these fun and simple craft ideas.

• 12 Ideas To Get Your School Reading

  PTOs and PTAs can play an important role in promoting and encouraging literacy.

• Cool Enrichment Ideas for PTOs

  Try one (or all!) of these parent-group-tested ideas to make learning more exciting for kids.

• Young Chefs Promote Healthy Eating

  An annual recipe contest at a Minnesota elementary school gets students excited about trying new foods.