The school day might end at 3 p.m., but the learning doesn’t have to stop there. Indeed, the afternoon hours until dinnertime are valuable for learning, engaging and fostering skills in children of all ages. Explore why every child deserves enriching after-school activities right now.
- Backing up Academic Work
Children learn at their own pace, which means some students need more exposure to subjects than others. After-school programs can bolster academic work with extra time dedicated to certain subjects. For example, some programs, such as Students Motivated Through the Arts, focus on STEM projects to support everyday coursework. Naturally, most programs offer some one-on-one time between educators and students. This personalized time can lead to an in-depth understanding of a subject and excelling at science, technology or math.
- Enhancing Growing Skill Sets
After-school programs can also expand on subjects learned during the average school day. For instance, children taking a computer science class learn the basics in the morning. After school, the children expand on that knowledge by learning how to code. Remarkably, nearly any subject can have an expansion period in the afternoon. Plant a garden at the school to support a botany class, or build wooden racing cars to expand on a physics or woodworking class.
- Building Personalities
Most after-school programs have a structured afternoon where children can engage in several activities. Because they must manage their time with the educator’s assistance, students develop their minds and experience personal growth. Also, the afternoon program teaches students about committing to goals, working as a team and resolving conflicts as they arise. These social skills are often lost in the current age of technology. By focusing on individual and group projects after school, children develop these critical skills for school, work and their personal lives.
- Preventing Risky Behaviors
Without a structured afternoon and supportive caregivers, children can be at risk for inappropriate behaviors. Crime, gangs, drugs and sexually transmitted diseases are possible among youngsters who don’t have access to educational opportunities in the afternoon. Because many parents work between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., these hours can be aimless periods with bad influences arising. By offering critical thinking and creative outlets through after-school activities, children simply have no time or need to seek out negativity in their lives.
- Creating a Healthy Environment
Lastly, after-school programs can focus on healthy living from multiple angles. For example, many activities incorporate sports and active participation. Creating a love for basketball, volleyball, baseball and many other activities gets kids moving. Also, consider cooking classes after school. Children might master a new recipe and learn about eating a balanced diet. Overall, combining sports and healthy eating can foster a strong child with an innate sense of self-esteem and fewer medical issues in the future.
From reading clubs to model-building groups, after-school activities create new mental connections for success in the future. Whether your school has a dedicated program or connects with third-party caregivers, signing up for a qualified plan can create academic and personal growth for every child. See your child mature with the skills necessary to shine into adulthood.
