Do your kids go to school? If so, you may have thought about what afterschool programs can help you and your child improve. Effective afterschool programs provide learning environments that benefit adolescents, families, and communities.
Children and adolescents can benefit from afterschool programs that foster social, emotional, cognitive, and academic development, reduce hazardous behaviors, promote physical health, and provide a safe and supportive environment.
Check out this post to know more about how it can effectively help your kids! Bonneville Academy is here with you to get the best education and skills for your children.
All About Afterschool Programs
All ages of children and youth are served by afterschool programs (also known as OST or Out-of-School Time programs). These programs include academic support, mentoring, positive youth development, arts, sports, and recreation, apprenticeships, job development programs, and programs for opportunity youth and homeless youth.
Children and adolescents’ extracurricular activities are essential to their development, underlining the necessity for high-quality afterschool programs in all communities.
Nearly 10.2 million children and adolescents participate in afterschool activities every year1, including 10 million in summer camps and 6 million in 4-H programs.
Federal agencies, state-level resources, community organizations, and local and national philanthropies can contribute support and resources to create, maintain, and guarantee access to high-quality afterschool programs that promote healthy youth outcomes.
Overall, A quality afterschool program may transform the afterschool hours into valuable learning time. This is a significant benefit, particularly for children who learn and think differently. Here are the principles and advantages a quality afterschool program can provide children.
Principles guiding afterschool curriculum
Here’s what to know more about structuring the afterschool program curriculum:
Structure & Flexibility
One of the most important things to remember when designing a curriculum is that children need structured activities and unstructured time, during which they are free to choose their own actions and partners.
Most school days are highly controlled, and children require time to relax and pursue their interests, particularly after school. Spending time on unstructured activities will help children concentrate on the scheduled activities you provide.
Plan Diverse Activities
Aim to provide various learning opportunities. Include activities that improve academic, social, physical, and emotional skills and allow your pupils to acquire hobbies, skills, and interests they may not otherwise have the opportunity to explore.
Community service programs and other hands-on activities can assist your pupils in developing strong character characteristics and a feeling of community.
Benefits of After School Program
Wondering what your kid can benefit from here? Here are the benefits.
School Attendance
Participation in afterschool programs improves class involvement, facilitates the transition to the next phase of education, increases school day attendance and participation, and decreases school dropout rates.
Safety
Participation in afterschool activities results in enhanced adult supervision, which helps kids feel safer and decreases the likelihood of being left unaccompanied with peers outside of school. It also means that older siblings oversee younger siblings less frequently.
Adult supervision based on developmental relationships promotes healthy adolescent development by fostering personal safety and minimizes risky behaviors such as smoking or drug misuse. But also creates an atmosphere where youth may learn more effectively and thrive.
Social and Emotional Intelligence (SEL)
Social and Emotional Intelligence (SEL). Regular involvement in high-quality afterschool programs can promote social and emotional competencies, such as prosocial conduct, intrinsic motivation, concentration efforts, and a sense of self-worth.
SEL is the process by which all youth and adults acquire and apply the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to develop healthy identities, feel and demonstrate empathy for others, build and maintain supportive relationships, and make responsible and caring decisions.
SEL is an integral component of education and human development that promotes educational equity and excellence through authentic school-family-community partnerships that establish learning environments and experiences characterized by collaborative and trusting relationships, rigorous and meaningful curriculum and instruction, and ongoing evaluation.
Make learning more fun.
Some afterschool activities include science and computer classes. In these sessions, there are no assessments, and students may work in groups. It is a meaningful and enjoyable approach for children to collaborate in areas of interest.
Programs may also offer opportunities in the arts, such as drama and music, which can help children develop new interests.
Provide safety and oversight
Between 3 and 6 p.m., older children are most likely to perpetrate crimes or become victims of crime. It is also ideal for some children to consume alcohol or drugs. Research indicates that these dangers are increased for children who learn and think differently.
However, keeping children occupied helps prevent them from participating in harmful activities. Moreover, afterschool programs can be a safer alternative. Studies indicate that children who participate in afterschool programs may earn higher grades. They may also have fewer behavioral issues.
Develop confidence
For children with low self-esteem or learning difficulties, an afterschool program may feel more forgiving than school. There may not be as much at stake. Children might be more open to trying new things and taking positive risks. This can result in increased self-esteem.
Finding an appropriate afterschool program for your child is crucial. Examine this list of questions to ask about a prospective program.
Create a sense of community
Suppose the afterschool program is not administered by the school district or a local facility. In that case, your child may have the opportunity to make new friends. Being away from school might provide a respite from cliques and social issues.
If the program is local or at school, it may be a good opportunity for your child to meet new peers. Children participating in afterschool programs are more likely to feel included and part of a group. Typically, these programs offer more excellent adult supervision than playground time.
Improve social skills
A successful program fosters cooperation, support, and regard. This can help children feel more comfortable participating in games or initiating conversations. And if they make a mistake, a friendly team member should be on hand to encourage them to take turns speaking and refrain from interrupting.
So, if you’re looking for a school to help your kid, contact us here at Bonneville. We’re one call away and have afterschool programs best suited for your children. Visit our school today!
