~After School Activities
A home-based after school program
So, your son's school does not offer any extracurricular activities. You
are worried of depriving your child of all that extra knowledge and fun.
What should you do?
After school activities need not be taught in a school-like environment by
professional teachers in a structured and timely manner. There is a lot
YOU can do to support your child's academic, physical and social
development. Do not be too concerned about formal programs, as many of our
children are already over-scheduled.
Obviously, school is top priority for children. They need to go to school,
and finish their homework. They should then do their daily reading or
writing work etc. This may take about 30-60 minutes. In the course of his
daily work, your child may develop certain academic preferences and
interests. In that case, you can try and find a program in a college or a
community center that will help him and encourage him. In the age of the
Internet, information is really not a rarity. Allow him to use the net to
find more information about thing that he likes. Encouraging the child to
do independent research to gain in-depth knowledge is something that no
formal program does.
If you are concerned about the lack of social life, enroll him or her in a
club - a reading club maybe. Visit public libraries or even the theatre,
if your child is interested. It is not necessary for your child to make
friends with children his own age. A parent-child book club is another
interesting option. If you can round up a number of like-minded children
and their parents, you may well start your own after-school program.
When there is no organized group activity, look to your community. Many
children love to get involved in social problems. They get their first
real taste of suffering, charity and community help from such experiences.
Volunteering for clean-up sessions, adult education programs etc could be
a real eye-opener for your child. The lessons thus learnt are invaluable.
If physical activity or the lack of it is your major concern, enroll your
child for some dancing classes. If organized sports are impossible to get,
try to enroll her in a gym. She may find friends there and may take to the
treadmill.
Your child does not necessarily have to be a part of an organized group to
benefit from after-school activities. There are various avenues open in
front of you. Roping in the enthusiasm of your children in daily household
activities like cooking, cleaning etc can also provide them with a
refreshing extracurricular experience. Moreover, it will improve family
ties too.
After school activities and burnout
For millions of parents around the world, the day does not end with the school bell. There are still pictures to be painted, songs to be sung and games to be played. This all adds up to keeping children happy, safe and out of trouble. But, parents have to steer away from going overboard.
After school is not baby-sitting:
After school activities thrive only if it is backed by sufficient parental involvement. What would a soccer match be without parents cheering their little heroes from the sidelines?.
Research and choose:
Instead of convenience being the decisive factor, find out things that will interest your child. Once you select a program, get the fine print and find out what you have to contribute.
Free time:
Many children attend piano classes, followed by ballet and squeeze in some time for play dates in between just before they rush home in time for bed. This rigor is too much for a child. So, go slow.
When to quit:
Often, parents enroll their child in an activity to discover that he may not be the prodigy they thought he would be. This is the time to let go. Your child may not become the next wonder-kid. But, let him cultivate an interest that he enjoys. Remember, happiness and fulfillment are all that matter.
After school activities and relationship building
After school activities are the rage of the day. With about $500 million
invested in these programs and more than 10 million children attending
them in America alone, the popularity of these activities cannot be
overlooked. Everyone understands the need to develop new skills, gain more
knowledge and keep the children safe when parents are working.
The most important factor in the success of any program is the
relationship between the children participating in the program and the
adult members who work with these children. Often, children may confide in
an adult member who is not a teacher. This kind of emotional interaction
is a must when children are struggling to make sense of the whirlpool of
emotions that assail them.
Direct contact with professionals can be an inspiring experience. Children
are very much impressed by the knowledge and experience of these adults.
Young people gain a lot of knowledge and experience when they deal with
experienced adults and older youth who serve as teachers or mentors in
these programs. These mentors are different from the teachers in the
school and children are more likely to draw inspiration from them.
After school activities that are managed professionally by people who are
successful in their own fields of expertise will produce children who are
more enthusiastic and successful. Meaningful interaction with adults is a
learning experience in itself.
After school activities for the overweight
Research and studies show that our children are growing fater by the
day. Many families all over America are struggling to keep the weight of
their children within reasonable limits. As a parent, I know that it's
nearly impossible for me to look into the tear-filled eyes of my son and
refuse food.
So, what's the alternative? Studies show that the number one reason for
obesity in children is not junk food and colas. It's actually TV.
Children tend to plop themselves on the sofa and munch away happily when
they are in front of the TV sets. But, once the set is off, their natural
buoyancy will lead the children to do stuff and to move their body. THey will then be diverted from eating.
Recreational after school activities are a must if you feel that your
child is beginning to put on undesirable fat. It is better to begin these
activities as early as possible. The more weight the child gains, the
harder he has to work to shed it. Football, swimming, skating and Karate
are just some activities he can participate in. Structured and disciplined
exercise is possible only when one is put into a formal environment. That
is why an overweight child simply HAS to be put into an after school
program of this kind.
After school activity for the hyperactive child
ADHD refers to attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder. Most children who
suffer from this disorder suffer from attention problems as well as hyperactivity. Parents of such children are well aware that inattention and hyperactivity continue throughout the day. Keeping such children busy after school hours can be as difficult as keeping them safe during the school day.
The first step while choosing the right after school activity for your child is to understand how ADHD affects him. Is your child interested in sports? Is he put off by the fierce competitiveness, or does he find it hard to get along with teammates? Does your child vocalize his feelings, or is communication a problem?
For a child suffering from ADHD, physical exercise is always beneficial. Exercise takes up the extra energy and helps to stimulate the brain. Team activities teach social skills and discipline. But, if your child shies away from team sports, you may want to look at activities like dancing, cycling, swimming or gymnastics. Martial arts not only teach techniques of self-defense but also teach self-control and patience.
If your child shows aversion to sport and shows inclination towards the fine arts, you may need to look at some other options. Acting classes are a wonderful form of creative exercise. It also provides the child with ample opportunity to develop his social skills. Music, art or dance can help the child to keep himself busy and entertained.
In case the child is not interested in any of the above, you may want him to join a Boy Scouts club or other community oriented clubs that take up social work. Cleaning a park, putting on a show, helping out in an old age home are various activities that may pique your child's interest.
Whatever form of activity you choose, make sure that you monitor your child's progress periodically. If you feel that there is no progress, you may need to change the activity. Anything that increases your child's self-esteem is good. You may enlist the help of the coach or teacher to assess your child's development.
There are certain activities that are detrimental to a child suffering from ADHD. Computer and video games are a definite NO. Since these games need no interaction, children will feel all the more isolated. These children also find it difficult to distinguish between the good and the bad messages. They may therefore show an inclination to stick to messages that are not needed. Games that need the child to sit and wait for his turn patiently tax his patience and will not be a success.
Although you would want these children to be as near to normal as possible, understanding their needs and limits will help you select the right after school activity - one that is fulfilling, tiring as well as challenging.
After school program - recreational vs. educational
So, your child is beginning to get restless and make you restless. He has got more time than is good for him, and you are now considering after school programs - anything that will keep him busy for a few life-saving hours! Most after school activities can be broadly classified into three - recreational, educational and society-oriented. The last bit usually comes in when your child is already a bit grown up and can voice his own interests.
Educational activities aim at furthering the knowledge of your child. His general awareness, his understanding and his memory are targeted and he is given various techniques that will help him improve one or all of these. Programs such as intensive memory training and speed mathematics are educational after school activities. There are academic programs that will go over your child's homework and class work and help the child gain more in-depth knowledge in the various subjects. Thus academic programs have a definite edge over the fun and games, especially if parents feel that their child has a lot of catching up to do.
Recreational activities include sports and games, fine arts, painting etc. The main thrust here is to have fun. Of course, classes become more competitive as the child climbs up the ladder. Many sport events, competitions, stage performances etc are held to encourage the child.
When we compare the merits of the two kinds of activities, I believe that the recreational programs have more meat. Firstly, children do not enjoy learning unless they themselves feel curious about something. Most academic programs are standardized courses that are not too flexible. They have a general purpose and a well laid out methodology. After a number of hours at school, the child may feel bored. Further study may overwhelm him and make him feel frustrated. Burnout is very much a possibility here.
Recreational programs provide a welcome break from the monotony of learning and studies. The mental challenge and the physical exertion make the child feel a renewed zest and a pleasant sense of fulfillment. Group activity teaches him social skills, discipline and patience. It is a proven fact that children involved in extra curricular activities get better grades than others. Sometimes closing the textbooks and playing a game may be the best way to handle your studies.
Whatever program you choose for your child, regular evaluation is the key to success. You will have to measure the child's progress. If progress is unsatisfactory, shift your child out of the program. The child should also have the freedom to reject an activity if and when he feels bored with it. Generally, programs that combine the educational with the recreational are best suited especially for younger children. This way, children can have fun while they learn.
After school programs and discipline
How important is discipline when it comes to after school programs? Since
most of the activities are recreational, does a program have to adhere to
strict rules? Discipline is just as important here as it is in
activities that pertain to the school. The child is sent to a program
because you want him to learn more. Discipline in one form or the other is
necessary to facilitate learning.
Every program should begin by laying down the rules. The supervisor or
teacher should explain each rule and can thus prevent future mishaps.
Misbehavior should be addressed as and when it occurs. Deal with the
problem in such a manner that it causes the least disruption. It is unwise
to turn a blind eye to misbehavior because it catches on like fire, and
soon you will have a bunch of unruly children on your hands. Besides,
however much they resist it, children like to operate within the safety
net of strict guidelines and rules.
When a child misbehaves, it is mostly due to a craving for attention. A
supervisor should observe the children and find out what the child wants.
Talk to the child so that you can understand what he or she wants.
Appropriate disciplinary measures should be taken if there are no apparent
reasons for bad behavior.
After school safety - tips and reminders
When parents send their children for after school programs, they take it
for granted that the child is safe. But since the number of children
participating in these activities has increased, it is necessary to look
into safety issues.
Children are vulnerable when they are outside the classes. While going or
returning, they should know the safest route to take. Many kids hang out
with their friends just after these classes. Find out 'danger zones' from
your neighbors and make the children aware of these.
The child has to know how to handle emergencies. It is better to discuss
various scenarios with your child. Tell her what she should do in case the
class is suddenly cancelled. Show her the first-aid kit at home and make
sure she knows whom to call in an emergency. Post any important contact
information in a place that is easily accessible to the child. If the
child will be alone at home, discuss a few unexpected things with her.
Tell her to use the safety chain ALWAYS.
Relay on your neighbors and friends when needed. Let your child know who
can be contacted at times of emergency. Ask your child to check in by
phone. Above all, always tell the child to be in a group. Visiting toilets
all alone or going home via isolated streets must be avoided.
Art-based activities
A recent report by several independent researchers concludes that
participating in the arts nurtures the development of social, personal and
cognitive skills. Programs based on Arts can improve academic achievement
and decrease the tendency towards delinquency. It helps youth form
positive attitudes about themselves and build self-esteem.
Arts programs involve communication, interpretation and understanding of
complex symbols, much like mathematics and languages. Thus it fosters
higher-order analytical skills and skills of evaluation and synthesis.
Many of the programs make the child regularly use multiple skills thus
making him dynamic and versatile.
Development of imagination, judgment and philosophy are fringe benefits of
an arts-based activity. As opposed to the short 45-minute duration of the
art classes at school, the extra time allowed in after school activities
allows the child to get more involved. This results in more satisfactory
opportunities for development of latent capabilities in the child. In
turn, the child learns to set high standards of achievement. He
understands what sustained focus is and learns that regular practice is
the way to excellence.
In the shy or the withdrawn child, theatre, speech or drama lessons may be
an outlet for pent up emotions. As drama entails getting into the 'skin'
of another person, the child learns to verbalize emotions and express
thoughts. These reasons account for the popularity of arts-based
activities.
Benefits of a good after school program
Children grow up in a society that demands expertise in everything. You
really cannot sit back and decide that learning from textbooks is enough
for the overall development of your child. It's the age of specialization
and your child cannot afford to miss out on this window of opportunity.
So, scour your locality for the most advantageous programs and enroll them
for the ones you think are the best.
After school programs are basically designed to develop a talent or a
skill that is ignored by regular schools. These programs could be
educational or recreational in nature. Whatever type they are, they
basically aim to keep the child active and interested.
The most important advantage of a good after school program is that it
widens your child's area of interests. He or she is introduced to new
things, sometimes interesting, sometimes challenging. Mastering a new art
form or a new skill increases the child's self-esteem. It also allows you
to introduce your child to new career options. A child attending a music
class may decide that she likes it so much that she wants to make a career
out of it in the long run.
Socialization is another great advantage of after school programs.
Children get to meet others who share their interests and make new
friendships. An acting class or a soccer class can be lots of fun. Many of
these programs coach children for performances or matches. Performing on
stage or playing a match can be a great experience for a young child.
After school programs keep your teenager busy. He or she thus has some
amount of protection from destructive habits like drugs and alcohol.
Surveys indicate that children who are kept busy through diverse absorbing
activities are less prone to abuse, depression and burnout. Significant
increase in achievement and attendance and a reduction in drop out rates
are other advantages of a good after school programs.
Most after school programs have children interacting with one or more
adult. This allows them to benefit from positive relationships with
adults. Children often find it difficult to confide in parents and
teachers, but may open up with other adults.
Many children are put into recreational after school programs so that they
reduce weight and remain healthy. A newly emerging trend shows that about
15% children below the age of 16 are obese. Parents who cannot put their
children on a strict diet resort to sports and games to burn fat. With
cases of child diabetes on the increase, this has become a prime focus of
many after school programs.
A good after school program has many benefits. It keeps the child
entertained as well as busy, and thus prevents children from becoming
addicted to TVs and PCs. By giving them ways to burn up their excess energy
and explore their creativity, after school programs help to shape the
overall personality of the child.
Boring after school activities
Why does Lisa grumble when it is time for her to go for her piano lessons?
How come Johnny abhors the sight of his skates now? After all, these
children were very enthusiastic about the programs when they started off.
What happened? Parents are often confused by the disturbing and often
incongruous signals they receive from their children. One day the kids are
excited about the new theatre class and in just a few short weeks they
wail and moan when it's time to go.
The first thing a family should do when a child begins resisting a
previously loved activity is to listen and investigate. Do not jump into
conclusions. A little bit of intelligent sleuthing is required. Ask your
child what he or she does in the class. Find out what exactly is the cause
of the problem. Then ask the teachers the same questions. Compare notes.
You may stumble on some important clues. Usually, children start out on an
activity thinking it's all fun. But when they realize that they cannot
just hang out and that they need to follow rules etc, they begin to
resist. Your child may feel stifled if the program is too structured. If
the discipline is too rigorous or the activity too painful (like a karate
class) some children balk. Use your own instincts. Does the program feel
like fun? Would you want to attend it yourself? Are they offering enough
motivation to keep the child interested?
The teacher-to-child ratio is also an important factor. Children need
attention. If the number of teachers is just enough to handle a class, it
is possible that your child is not receiving enough attention. State
recommendations usually specify that there must be 1 teacher for 15
children.
Children try to avoid problems they cannot solve. If there are no
perceivable problems with the class and the teachers, perhaps you need to
have a chat with your child. If your judgment says that the place is good
and the activity engaging enough, then it's time to work with your child.
More often than not, social pressures may be at work here. Does your child
have friends there? If she is lonely or miserable because of the lack of
friends, help her find a friend. If she finds a friend, she will get more
involved in the activities
If your best efforts do not pay off, and your child still resists that
fantastic guitar classes, then it's time to let go. Shift your child to
some other program. If he or she still retains interest in guitars, you
can take it up after a few months. Never force the child, especially when
it comes to extra-curricular activities. Since they are 'extra', they must
Developmental after school programs
As a child grows into an adult, different aspects of his physical,
emotional and mental self needs development. To help a child reach his
full potential, it is necessary to recognize the child's developmental
needs and abilities. To be effective, after school programs should assist
children with tasks they must accomplish during each stage of development.
A child's growth curve can be divided into three main parts:
1) Young child (ages 3-5)
2) Middle school (ages 6-8)
3) Older school (ages 9-12)
The four important domains of development are: The Physical Domain, the
Social Domain, the Emotional Domain and the Intellectual Domain. Each of
these domains needs to be separately addressed during the various phases
of a child's growth. After school programs should concentrate on
developing each domain as applicable to the age of the child. Although the
children participating in these programs may have similar developmental
needs and age, do not expect development to be uniform. Children will
develop as and when they are ready.
Physical Domain:
When children are young, they want to perfect skills that they have just
learnt to control. A variety of movements such as jumping, catching and
throwing delight them. The middle school child, on the other hand, wants
to learn more complex skills and get involved in team sports. This is also
the best time to learn about rules and discipline in sport. The older
school child is ready for more adult-like activities that need greater
structure and discipline, like dancing, gymnastics, music classes etc.
Social Domain:
Young children are observing others and will be interested in games where
they play the roles of family members. They develop short-term friendships
and need an adult's presence to assure them. The middle school child is
intrigued by society and will love trips to factories, public buildings
etc. They want to know the 'how' and 'why' of things. The older school
child is ready to learn about different cultures, food and customs. They
want to do some amount of social work too.
Intellectual Domain:
Young school children will practice what they are learning. Middle school
children want to learn more skills and will show interest in reading,
drama and problem solving. The older school children are ready to research
and probe. They enjoy getting a puzzle and pondering over it.
Any after school program needs to address the interests of the child depending
on the category he belongs to. Knowing the children in your program and
appreciating their needs and interests will help staff to plan and
structure programs that are most useful to that group.
Effective after school activities
When there are so many activities on offer, and each one looks as good as
the next, how do you gauge the worth and effectiveness of these
activities? Sure, you want an activity that junior enjoys. But, we really
cannot afford to waste time on pleasure for pleasure's sake, do we? There
needs to be a grain of gold somewhere in there. Given below is a list of
characteristics that any good after school activity must possess.
Clarity in objectives and goals is the first important thing. What does
the course offer? How does it propose to achieve the results? How many
kids make up a batch? Ask questions. After all, when you are dishing out
the dough, you really need to understand what you are getting in return.
A good after school activity will provide lots of opportunities for the
young to increase their level of understanding of complex concepts. This
is true of recreational activities too. Learning to pitch a ball, or dance
to a tune - regardless of the activity involved, the child should be
encouraged to grapple with and conquer new concepts. This not only keeps
boredom at bay by challenging the child, but also builds up his
self-confidence. Development of academic, personal and social skills is
one of the prime aims of an after school activity. As the skills develop,
the child's self-esteem also increases.
After school activities are all about boosting a child's sense of
competence. Good and effective after school activities promotes the
resilience of youth and encourages them to grow stronger, be it mentally,
emotionally or physically.
Safety is one of the first requirements of an after school activity. The
staff should be qualified, adequate and alert. Never put your child in a
program where safety is a matter of accident instead of a matter of
priority. The staff should be friendly and should have a positive
relationship with the child. Therefore, the program should have
professional and trained staff that loves to interact with children. The
program should maintain a cooperative and supportive attitude and a
structured environment. Participation and collaboration as opposed to
competition and antagonism must be encouraged.
Some programs involve the children in planning activities and making
decisions. Adults often forget to get the opinion of their children. By
giving the children an opportunity to voice their opinion, programs become
fun activities that children are motivated to participate in. Young people
thrive when they are listened to, respected and allowed to contribute
their mite.
Routine evaluations are an important part of after school programs. If the
child does not benefit from a class, don't waste time being
over-optimistic. Try something new.
You are now ready to look for the perfect after school activity for your
child. But don't let us forget that having fun is also an important part
of growing up. The child deserves a few hours of pure delight. Remember,
all work and no play, ……
How much is too much?
Should your child go for the football practice 5 days a week? Are 3 days
enough? It is common for parents to be a little confused when it comes to
deciding how much is too much with reference to after school activities.
They argue that since most of the activities are fun (as different from
studies), children will simply lap up these classes. But, too much of fun
can also make a child sick. Here is a simple guide that will help you
decide how much is too much for your child.
Kindergarten:
Your child is just beginning to learn to interact and get used to
discipline. His or her after-school life should be simple and carefree.
One or two classes per week are enough at the beginning. Once the child
settles down, look for more challenging activities like a music program.
Grade 1:
One or two activities per week, play dates and playground visits are
recommended. Avoid competitive sports activities. The child is still too
young to have to worry about winning and losing. After the rigors of a
full day at school, he or she needs a healthy outlet for pent up energy.
Physical activities and noncompetitive sports are best for this age.
Grade 2:
Your child is old enough to voice opinions on what activities he or she
wants. Sports, skating, swimming or computers - steer him towards things
he likes. Many children begin lessons on a musical instrument around this
age. But, allow your child some 'alone time' during which he can unwind
and just do whatever he wishes.
Grade 3:
Socialization begins to take center stage. Team sports are a good choice.
Developing motor skills, painting, drawing etc are good too. Let the child
explore areas of interests. But leave aside enough time for the family and
for fun activities.
Grade 4:
At this age, the child will tell you what he likes. He needs to get
involved in activities that will boost his confidence. This will also help
him manage stress as this is the time when social pressure is beginning to
build. But, beware of the homework demon. Your child needs more time with
his studies. Balancing his schoolwork with other activities is very
important.
Grade 5:
The fifth grader is bubbling with energy and will want to do just
about everything. But she or he may conveniently push studies to the
background. So, close supervision is needed. Keep one or two days free for
family time and other activities. Now is a great time to get your child
interested in community service.
Middle school:
Steer him away from TV. Get him engaged in activities that reinforce
learning. Academic performance can be improved by encouraging your preteen
to join clubs like the Girl/Boy Scouts program, language clubs, chess
clubs etc. As a thumb rule, 16-20 hours a week of extra activity should be
more than enough. But look out for signs of burnout.
What you select for your child and how long he should work at it is
basically decided by the child's temperament. As a parent, you should
closely observe your child and base your decisions on feedback from the
child himself.
How to find after school activities
Start off by making enquiries. Nothing can beat the power of information.
Approach the school authorities first. Find out if they are offering any
after school activities. Get a list of the various classes that are
available in your school. In case the school does not provide any
extracurricular activities for the child, approach your neighbors. Collect
information about any after school programs, the quality of the courses
taught and the timings etc. Also, check out some of the community
resources. These may include places of worship, community centers,
Museums, libraries, the YMCA, The Boys and Girls Club etc.
After you have colleted all the necessary information, discuss the various
options with your child. Find out what his interests are. The best way to
find out what is most suitable is to ask your child. When little children
are too small, you cannot completely rely on their feedback. In this case,
monitor the development of the child on a regular basis. If the child
shows excessive resistance to an activity, it may be necessary to look for
other options. Always consider your family's schedule when planning the
extracurricular activities. If it is difficult for you to chauffeur your
child, you may want to employ tutors at home or conduct some activity at
home itself.
Keeping children motivated
Initial enthusiasm in after school activities tends to wane after the
first excitement is over. This is but natural. The trick is to keep up the
hard work even after this. How do you keep your child motivated? This is
of particular importance when the child goes in for educational after
school programs.
Make the career-academics connection early on:
Let your child understand how important studies are. Let him know that
an excellent career is wholly dependent on wholesome learning. To develop
his interest in studies, plan family activities that are connected with
his studies. Emphasize the real-world connection to academics whenever
possible.
Set goals:
Let your child know, through example, that hard work will be rewarded. If
your child believes that achievement is a natural by-product of effort, he
is more likely to put in hard work. Such children are also less likely to
drop out of programs and college at a later stage.
Reward success:
When a child achieves something, it is necessary to praise his hard work.
Positive reinforcements enhance confidence and increase self-esteem.
Conversely, beware of criticism. It can ruin the frail ego of children and
play havoc with their minds.
Need for after school activities
When children are literally up to their gills with the learning and sport
activities in school, it may seem superfluous to enroll them for after
school activities. In spite of this, after school programs are sprouting
up in large numbers and most of these are booked full. This shows that
there is a real need for after school activities.
The unavailability of parental supervision is the leading cause for the
surge in after school programs. It is seen that many children spend about
20-25 hours a week unsupervised and alone at home. And as the saying
goes, "An idle mind is a devil's workshop". Children who are left alone
to contend with too much free time invariably fall into the wrong
company. Drug abuse, alcohol, tobacco and crime come knocking at their
doors sooner rather than later. Parents enroll children to various after
school programs to keep them occupied in a productive manner. This way,
the kids are free to enjoy themselves in a supervised activity.
Crime is considered to be at its peak during the after school hours,
between 3- 4 p.m. During such a time, children need protection. Getting
the children together under one roof and encouraging them to participate
in a group activity is protection enough. It diverts the children from
ennui too.
Obesity is a matter of growing concern in this country. It is noticed
that more and more children are becoming couch potatoes. After school,
many of them relax on the sofa with packets of chips, cool drinks or
chocolates while they watch T.V. 30 % of the kids below the age of 19 are
considered overweight, and about 15% of these are obese. An after school
program ensures that the child shakes off his lethargy and keeps himself
busy. This also helps to reduce the child's fascination for T.V and
computer games.
After school activities that promote social awareness develop the
individual's sense of social responsibility. It is seen that these sorts
of programs not only keep kids out of trouble, but also help to produce
responsible citizens. To that extent, they are valuable building blocks
in a child's personality.
Times are changing and parents want their children to excel in academics
as well as in other activities. This may be a reflection of the parent's
unfulfilled desire to excel - a remnant from his own childhood. Whatever
the reason, parents today encourage their children to enroll themselves
in various programs and develop the various facets of their
individuality. Children too seem to be comfortable learning many things
at the same time, and gain satisfaction from this.
Over-scheduling kids
Several studies are expressing a growing concern that after school
programs are pressurizing kids to do too much too soon. They point out
that when a child's afternoon is filled with classes, trips, sports and
other forms of organized activities, kids do not really get the time to be
just kids. They are even being deprived of the cherished family time.
Undoubtedly, there are children who are being burdened with a schedule
that places too much demand on their time. This leads to increased levels
of stress on the child and the family. As regular studies cannot be
ignored, children are almost always on the run to achieve more. Such
children are really bearing a burden that is too heavy for their frail
little shoulders.
In an ideal world, all children would go home directly after school to
loving and caring parents who are waiting for the children to come home.
But the social and economic realities show that many children have to
attend after school courses because there is no one available at home. For
such children, these classes are a boon.
Parents should however restrain themselves from reading too much into
these activities. After school programs are complimentary in nature. They
give additional support. Therefore, their importance should also be
limited.
Potentials of after school programs
With children becoming the primary focus of society, ways and means to
ensure their safety and development are being researched. The Government
too has pooled in to make a success of such programs. Here are some of the
reasons why after school programs have become so popular:
1) Preventing Juvenile Delinquency, crime and violent victimization:
About 10% of juvenile crimes happen between 3 P.M. - 4 P.M. Children need
to be kept safe and out of trouble at such times
2) Preventing alcohol, drug and tobacco use.
Risk-taking behavior that seeks to establish superiority in a clan is
mostly seen in 'latchkey' children. Children in their pre-teens, if they
have a meaningful relationship with a mentor, are less likely to indulge
in these kinds of destructive behavior
3) Decreases appetite for Television:
An average child watches about 23 hours of TV per week. When enrolled for
some activity, the child utilizes his mental and physical skills to meet
challenges.
4) Improving academic achievements
5) Improving school attendance:
More confidence in self and increased interest in school leads to greater
attendance in school. A program that helps children with their homework
also gives the child a much-needed feeling of self-achievement.
6) Improved behavior and inter-personal skills
Children who attend after school activities handle conflict better and
cooperate more with authority figures.
7) Closer family and community ties.
Quirky after school programs
With the growing interest in after school programs shown by the Government
as well as parents, new and hitherto unheard of programs are being
explored. In an attempt to make a child aware of his responsibilities as
an individual and as a citizen, these after school programs make use of a
child's natural curiosity and his irrepressible energy.
Investigative Skills:
In some schools in Kernersville, children are developing their
investigative skills. Children meet with adults who introduce them to the
details of fake non-violent crimes. They take notes, visit the scene and
gather information. Students learn to listen to alibis, collect
fingerprints and gather any other pieces of evidence. According to the
principal, these activities challenge her students' problem solving
skills. Children learn to think critically and to form informed judgments.
Fisheries and sciences:
In North Carolina, children who are interested get a chance to win a
scholarship through their after school activity. Here, students are given
a chance to face hands-on fisheries science experiments in a freshwater or
marine setting. Professionals, educators and experts from the world of
Fisheries act as mentors. Students accepted into the program get a $3,000
scholarship.
The above examples go to show that after school activities are becoming
serious. They are slowly morphing into important parts of a child's
education and moving away from the fun-and-frolic-only programs of the
past.
Reading activities
In a world that is slowly but surely turning away from books and getting
glued to monitors or television screens, the importance of developing a
passion for reading cannot be overlooked. Reading is a habit and should be
established when the child is relatively young. What can you do to foster
this habit?
Enroll your child for reading classes:
There are many well structured after school reading classes that aim to
draw the children to books. They help kids with diction, idioms and
phrases. For young children, these classes can be fun with animated
characters and pictures. Illustrated picture books, rhymes, silly songs
and pretend stories all attract the young child. Use creativity to capture
the child's vivid imagination.
Pique your child's interest:
If your child has a favorite character, pick a series of books that
features this character. For my son, it was Spiderman. Thanks to friendly
neighborhood spidey, my son latched on to comics fairly early in his
childhood.
Build a home-library:
A skill like reading cannot be learnt in isolation. Do not leave all the
hard work to the after school program. Pick up books that you think your
child will like. The Internet is also a rich resource of reading games
that will attract little children to the fine art of reading.
Recreational after school programs
After school programs can be divided into 3 broad categories: academic,
recreational and social. Balanced development takes place when there is
compatibility between the physical, mental as well as the educational
achievements of the child.As the name suggests recreational after school
programs are based on a sport or recreation. Some of the more common
physical activities include football, swimming and basketball.Some clubs
offer programs like gymnastics, trekking and hiking. In this case,
youngsters are often given a short class in first-aid class also.
Recreational after school programs offer children an opportunity to let
off some steam and to destress themselves. The closed classroom atmosphere
and a day full of textbooks and writing cause the child to repress his
natural enthusiasm. He curbs his energy when he is required to sit quietly
in class and learn. Physical activity is an all-time low during such
times. This physical lethargy and inaction is countermanded by
recreational activities. Growing concerns of obesity and child diabetes
make it necessary for children to indulge in some strenuous exercises that
will allow them to work up some sweat.
Unlike educational programs, recreational programs do not tax the
mental processes. But, they do aid the learning process by making the
child more active. A child who is physically active is mentally fit, and
is able to focus his thoughts on the work at hand. Additionally,
recreational programs teach discipline, mechanics of teamwork and fair
play. These are important lessons in the growing process.
As more and more nuclear families emerge, the child faces greater
isolation. Many children shuttle between their classroom and their
bedrooms and do not have any meaningful relationships outside these.
Recreational programs offer ample avenues for socialization. This is a
place the child can go to and play even when his neighbor is not the most
welcoming. The Boy / Girl Scout programs are excellent recreational after
school programs. Lately, survival classes and camps have devised to
combine important survival skills with sports and games to educate
children on how to handle emergencies.
Like any good after school program, recreational programs are designed to
give children a safe area where they can indulge in some group activities
that interest them. This is one of the most effective ways to keep kids
out of the streets and out of trouble. But, one has to be careful when
enrolling children for recreational classes. The age of the child, his
temperament and his physical caliber has to be taken into account before
you choose the right program for your child.
School based after-school programs
In an effort to keep children motivated and safe, the U.S. Government
sets aside a good amount of fund for financing after school programs every
year. A report by the U.S. Department of Education and Justice points out
that after school programs are very effective and is in the interests of
the society as a whole. Interestingly, it was found that Americans liked
providing school-based after school-programs in their community.
Other than safety, boredom and loneliness, the poor performance of many
students also led to the need for after-school programs that are based on
the school curriculum. Children coming from low-income families were found
to lag behind in reading and grammar after a long break in the summer.
Statistics prove that if school-going children are left unsupervised after
their school, the chances of poor grades and drop out are considerably
higher. The funds provided by the Government will allow rural and
inner-city schools to provide activities during the summer, over the
weekends and after school. These activities will take place in a
drug-free, safe and supervised environment.
Positive augmentation of critical skills is the prime focus of these
school-based after school activities. Thus they enhance the skill level of
the child. Most school-based programs offer assistance in math tutoring,
reading, comprehension and problem solving. Many programs provide engaging
activities that seek to prepare the students for college. Hands-on
experience is provided for children who want to invest in a career in
teaching. Access to telecommunication and technology and involvement in
music and art are other benefits of these programs. This becomes
invaluable, especially in low-income sectors where such activities are
considered to be a luxury.
As far as children are concerned, the snacks provided in after school
programs are an added incentive. School sponsored after school programs
are entitled to receive funds for snacks. The National School Lunch
Program is designed to do just this. Free or reduced price snacks will be
provided for children from schools that apply for it. The CACFP reimburses
expenditure depending upon the child's income status. But this is
applicable only till the age of 13. The funding that schools get depends
upon the area in which they are situated. A low-income area gets more
funding. Supper can be served to children below the age of 19. Longer
programs can provide both supper and a snack. With the participation of
non-profit private organization, it is possible to feed deserving school
children breakfast, supper and a snack.
Successful after school programs
What marks a successful after school program? What are the things that you
should look for when enrolling your child into one such program? Other
than the obvious advantage of learning something new, successful programs
incorporate many things that help the development of the child.
Development of social skills is one of the more important objectives of a
good after school program. In a recent survey, parents indicated that
while they do want their children to respect others, they also wanted them
to imbibe skills like getting along with other children and getting used
to children outside the immediate circle of friends. Many children find it
difficult to make new friends and get along with people outside their
group.
Good after school programs place special emphasis on security and safety.
They keep children out of trouble and keep them safe. A good after school
program should be fun, especially when the children are young. If the
activity is fun, you will not have to worry about keeping him interested
or motivated. To be effective, programs should be organized and
structured. They must also suit the age of the child. The child must be
aware of the purpose of the program, and must be convinced that they are
attending the programs to accomplish something.
The Learning environment
There is often a trap in the words 'after school activities'. One may
easily believe that since these activities are after school, they are not
of much importance. But, one couldn't be more wrong. Research suggests
that children pick up some of their most important skills from after
school programs. That is why children who do not participate in any extra
curricular activities are generally slow and less vibrant.
The learning environment that one fosters in after school activities must
be as disciplined and as functional as that found in the school. This is
especially true of educational after school programs. This is the best
place to teach the child important skills like time-management and goal
setting. Time-management is a vital skill, but it is not achieved easily.
Children need to feel the discipline that is needed to finish a task and
the happiness of finishing the allotted work in a specific time frame.
Children look for different things in an after class program. The learning
environment should be attractive, colorful and informative. Use charts,
pictures, posters and drawings to liven up a class. Additional resources
(resources that are not easily available in the school) will make the
classes interesting. For instance, when teaching a biology lesson, allow
the child to see through a microscope or see slides of bacteria. This
will add to his knowledge and also make him more enthusiastic about his after school program.
Discipline is a must in after school activities. In fun or sport-based
activities, it is easy for children to step out of line and wreck havoc.
While children should be allowed to have fun, they should be curtailed
from unacceptable behavior. The best way to enforce discipline is to lay
down the rules at the very beginning. Let the children know what is
unacceptable, right at the beginning.
Rewards are an important part of any learning process. The reward can be a
simple pat on the back or a token of appreciation. Motivate your children
to aspire for higher things by rewarding their achievements. Holding
competitions or sport activities where the children can show their
proficiency is a reward in itself.
Children can get bored easily, especially in the case of an educational
program. The main thrust of an academic program is to repeat what has been
taught in class and to allow the child to learn it quickly. It is
difficult to pique the child's interest a second time, especially when the
child is already tired of one dose of the same lesson. It is best to
thwart boredom by using creative techniques like an impromptu extempore on
any topic, a quiz program or a slideshow.
After school activities are becoming more popular by the day. Parents want
their kids to learn more. Children too have an insatiable quest for
knowledge. In an after school program, it is possible to pay individual
attention and quench this thirst using various effective techniques.
Too much of school
When my mom finally decided to take that plum posting as a Divisional
Head, I knew I was in trouble. Her office hours stretched way beyond my
school hours. And anyway, I was privy to the many discussions my parents
had about 'Honey, what do we do with the kids?' Well, finally they struck
gold - an educational after school program. Won't that be just grand? Kids
are learning new things while parents are happily minting greenbacks!
And so, we went directly to another class after our school. The brochure
said that they would be 'using fun activities and innovative teaching
methods to fill the gap in your child's understanding'. I suppose they
meant that the teacher would write down the homework and we were to copy
it. At least, this is what happened most of the time. Of course, we didn't
tell our parents. How would that help? They'd simply get smart and shift us to a class that would actually make us solve our homework.
I hated the classes. Mostly, I was bored to tears or falling asleep.
After so many hours at school who'd want to spend the entire afternoon
with the same books? But, as a child, one had little choice in these
matters. Especially when one's parents were cleverly telling one that
mommy's salary will help get us that spanking new TV or that video game.
Lose some, win some!
Then, one day, my sister decided to rock the proverbial boat. She decided
she had enough of studying and refused to go to the after school program.
That's when my parents began to smell something stale. Shortly after that,
they put us in a better program (o, yes, another educational one). This
was bigger, brighter and somehow more fun. We had some interesting games,
and a COMPUTER too. Each of us got a chance to do something on the PC
(this, when PCs were just beginning to make their presence felt). We
somehow managed to blaze through our homework, most of which had to be
done by us. Then it was time to have fun. We had a little bit of
everything. Acting classes, speech, games and of course painting. Those
hours we spent splashing color on pages and laughing at silly jokes were
really the highlight of an otherwise boring day. Ironically, I began
looking forward to my after school program.
Now, so many years afterward, when I need to take up a job and leave my
own child alone till I get back, I know how important these after school
programs have become. Talk about history repeating itself! I just hope I'd
get her into a good one, and yes, it's going to be educational too.
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