NA G TIO NIN NAL EAR JUNIOR TENNIS & L curriculum OF TRENTON ace Academic Creative Engagement “Connecting Education to Tennis!”
ACE PHILOSOPHY
Academic Creative Engagement (ACE) is an out-of-school and educational opportunity. It can easily operate in part- academic curriculum connected to 21st Century Skills, nership with schools, community centers, governmental National Standards and the sport of tennis. It is designed programs, universities and other after-school providers. The to encourage academic achievement, health/wellness and lessons support classroom instruction and encourage students social/emotional skills by guiding children through edu- to communicate. Schools are mandated in preparing children cational processes that include decision making, problem for specific school and state assessments; whereas an out-of- solving and working together toward common goals. When school program provides the chance to talk about learning – combined with a tennis program, it provides important the importance of thinking, discussing math concepts, writing developmental assets and reflects the ideals and principles clearly and speaking well. The activities contained in ACE of Arthur Ashe by giving children access to a safe, healthy provide a platform from which this goal can be reached.
overview
ACE Book 1.0 consists of 50 The curriculum is designed The lessons are created to Cooperative learning is math, literacy and nutrition for 4th through 6th grade be supportive, engaging and encouraged to help children lessons and specific activities students; however, it can easily experiential in nature. They think about what they can to prepare students for the be differentiated to engage all are guided by academic do to build a respectful national Arthur Ashe Essay ages and grade levels. standards developed by the emotional climate on and off and Art Contest. National Council of Teachers the court. Hands-on projects of Mathematics (NCTM) give children the opportunity and the National Council of to interpret their ideas and Teachers of English (NCTE) demonstrate their knowledge. and support the Core Cur- Parents are encouraged to riculum State Standards. participate throughout the program.
LITERACY & MATH
All literacy activities are Collaborative discussions The mathematics activities Games provide critical think- coupled with a mentor deepen thinking and help provide hands-on oppor- ing and problem solving op- text. The texts include students express opinions tunities to further explore portunities, while practicing children’s literature, poetry while respecting the opinions concepts taught in schools. basic facts. Recording and and informational materials. of others. Visual displays are Using the tennis court and sharing of data and following Comprehension, connections, created in several activities math manipulatives, chil- a process are integrated into vocabulary and listening to make student’s thinking dren investigate and explore several activities. Students skills are explored through visible and clear. shapes, lines and angles. create visual displays to reading aloud and discussion enrich their ability to present opportunities. and share with others.
ACE WILL SPREAD TO OTHER NJTL CHAPTERS IN 15 CITIES NATIONWIDE THIS WINTER