Did you know that children in grades K-5 who attend after-school programs are more likely to excel academically and socially? It’s true! There are numerous gains for a child when you decide to extend their learning hours, even if it’s for just an hour.
After-school programs are known to boost reading comprehension and math achievement scores for elementary school children and well into their high school years. While the academic advantages are significant, the social benefits of an after-school program are numerous.
From increased confidence, patience, interpersonal skills, and problem-solving (what we here at Strategic Kids call ‘life skills’), after-school programs can play a vital role in a child’s development. Whether it’s because it allows a child to excel in a subject they enjoy, meet friends, or discover a new talent, after-school programs abound with opportunities.
But that brings us to a pressing question: how do you choose the right after-school program for your child?
Let’s consider it!
Your Child Is One-of-a-kind — Understand Their Interests and Needs For A Suitable After-School Program
Each child is unique, so it isn’t surprising that your child's interests and needs may differ from others. Some are creative, with a knack for artistic expression, while others are analytical, and some kids are more engaged when physically active.
If your child enjoys experimenting and likes to dip their little toes into the world of physics and engineering, a STEM-based after-school program will let them expand their mind and curiosity. Does your child have a natural inclination for the arts? If so, a painting, dance, music, or drama program will let them build their creative muscle, and getting them started early will only keep building the foundation for that muscle. And, of course, if your child is more engaged when they are physically active, some form of sports, gymnastics, or outdoor activity will suit them.
There are many after-school programs to choose from, but the choice ultimately depends on your child's interests!
What After-School Program Suits Your Child?
Schools offer a wide variety of enriching after-school programs, each of them catering to various interests and developmental needs. Education companies and organizations design enrichment programs to allow students to gain more knowledge about subjects often unrelated to their primary curriculum, creating more opportunities for personal growth and a greater sense of identity. As such, enrichment after-school programs offer more holistic development and diverse learning opportunities by encouraging exploration, boosting confidence, and cultivating a love for learning.
Your school may potentially have the following types of enrichment programs:
Academic Programs
These programs are more in line with a student’s primary curriculum and often focus on advanced coursework. Subjects covered in academic enrichment programs include science, math, and the language arts.
Arts and Creativity-based Programs
Programs focused on the arts and creativity encourage students to express themselves. Additionally, these programs can give students insight into different cultures through a culture's type of music, traditional dances, and significant plays.
Sports and Activity Programs
Football, swimming, golf, water polo, and even more nontraditional activities like Capture the Flag are excellent after-school activities that can improve physical fitness, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
STEM Programs
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) after-school programs are Strategic Kids’ specialties! These programs are designed to help students foster a more in-depth understanding of these critical fields, which will continue to grow in necessity and popularity. Our chess and LEGO programs help develop the analytical skills needed for these fields of study.
A Quality After-School Program Goes A Long Way
Of course you’ll want to invest in a quality after-school program—it’s your child! Two things we recommend taking into account when seeking out an after-school program are the staffing and the environment.
Are the staff members of your chosen after-school enrichment program trained and up-to-date on protocol for behavior management, health and safety, and child development? After-school instructors must make their students feel welcomed and safe and create an environment that promotes fun and learning. It’s also essential for staff to effectively communicate their expectations and limitations.
While staff is important in helping create the atmosphere of your child’s after-school program, the physical environment is also important. The ideal environment for an enrichment program should include indoor and outdoor facilities, adequate furniture, and open space.
As has previously been discussed, ensuring that your child’s after-school program suits your child’s needs and interests is crucial. However, it would also be helpful to consider whether the program fits your family’s schedule. Are you able to have your child attend the program on specific days? Are there required field trips for the potential program? Will family holidays factor in whether your child can attend the entire program? It’s always good to keep these things in mind!
Some Final Considerations
While choosing an after-school program for your child that suits them can feel daunting, so consider these final tips.
Observe how your child reacts to the different options you propose to them. Do they seem excited or hesitant about attending? And visiting one or two potential programs together to gauge how they feel in the environment could be beneficial. Trust your instincts, as well. If an after-school program feels off, don’t hesitate to continue looking for something that may be a better fit for your child. Finally, be flexible. If the program doesn’t work out as you and your child expected, make the necessary adjustments or try a new one.
Finding the right after-school program for your child may take time, but being open to having them try different ones will ensure that they have a positive and enriching experience.
We here at Strategic Kids applaud you for reading this blog! It shows that you care about your child’s education and want to ensure that they have an after-school experience that improves their lives.
Interested in learning more about Strategic Kids' after-school programs? We offer engaging STEM enrichment programs, including chess, LEGO, cartooning, and origami, in Orange County, San Diego, Denver, and the Seattle region. Click here to see if we’re available at your child’s school and to register!
Questions? Email us at info@strategickids.com, and we'll get back to you as soon as possible!
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