The Expanded Learning Playbook™ – Volume 2 (September 2026) takes students on an exciting Space Explorers adventure designed specifically for expanded learning programs serving Transitional Kindergarten through 8th grade. Through an engaging month-long theme, students investigate the wonders of space while developing critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills through hands-on, project-based learning experiences.

Created by an educator with extensive experience in early learning and expanded learning, Volume 2 provides expanded learning professionals with ready-to-use monthly programming that complements the school day while fostering curiosity, innovation, and meaningful student engagement. Each grade level follows a carefully designed progression of developmentally appropriate activities that integrate STEM, engineering, the arts, movement, reflection, executive functioning, and technology. Older students build digital literacy skills by researching online, creating presentations, designing digital media, and producing authentic technology projects that prepare them for future success.

To celebrate the release of the Expanded Learning Playbook™ – Volume 2, this issue is available as a FREE digital download for a limited time. Download your complimentary copy and inspire students to explore the universe while building the skills they'll use for a lifetime.

What's Included

✓ Four-Week Project-Based Learning Journey

Guide students through a month-long Space Explorers unit built around a Project-Based Learning (PBL) Essential Question that encourages curiosity, inquiry, creativity, and real-world problem solving.

✓ Explorer Spotlight™

Introduce students to inspiring space pioneers including Snoopy (NASA's Safety Mascot), Mae Jemison, Neil Armstrong, Sally Ride, and Katherine Johnson, with grade-level connections that celebrate perseverance, innovation, and discovery.

✓ Grade-Level Learning Progressions

Developmentally appropriate programming for TK/K, Grades 1–2, Grades 3–4, Grades 5–6, and Grades 7–8, with increasing complexity and independence throughout the month.

✓ STEM & Engineering Challenges

Engage students in hands-on investigations, engineering design challenges, model building, experimentation, and collaborative problem-solving inspired by space exploration.

✓ Technology Connections

Older students progressively build digital literacy skills through internet research, Google Slides presentations, Canva design projects, digital storytelling, multimedia creation, and short-form video production.

✓ Family Connections

Strengthen home-school partnerships with take-home activities that encourage families to continue learning together through simple, engaging space-themed experiences.

✓ Executive Functioning & 21st Century Skills

Intentionally develop planning, organization, flexible thinking, collaboration, communication, creativity, critical thinking, and responsible decision-making through authentic learning experiences.

✓ Download, Print & Go

Designed in a professional 11 × 14 magazine-style format that is easy to download, print double-sided, and fold into a polished monthly planning resource for your expanded learning program.

Skills You'll Strengthen

✓ Project-Based Learning (PBL)

✓ STEM & Engineering Design

✓ Scientific Inquiry

✓ Executive Functioning Skills

✓ Critical Thinking & Problem Solving

✓ Creativity & Innovation

✓ Collaboration & Communication

✓ Technology Integration & Digital Literacy

✓ Research Skills

✓ Digital Content Creation

✓ Leadership & Teamwork

✓ Curiosity, Exploration & Lifelong LearningSpac