Just when the bell rings, signaling the end of school for the day, many children are left to fend for themselves until their parents come home from work. Now, leaving kids to go home on their own and practically be alone can be both dangerous and unsettling. That particular scenario very rarely exists today due to the many after school programs in the country today. While this has been around for more than a century, some parents still don’t think that after school programs offer any true benefits to their children. This article discusses some of the things your child can learn from such a program that is actually crucial for their growth and development.
1. Building Confidence
One unique thing about after school programs is they are nothing like a regular school day. The program mainly focuses on extracurricular activities that range from various topics like sports, robotics, coding, music, and art. Ideally, children participate in the programs they like to learn skills, play leadership roles, and engage in service-learning activities. Such participation helps build various skills like communication, problem-solving, and even developing their self-confidence. Through the help of after school programs, children realize the things they are capable of doing, which helps build their confidence.
2. Mental Stimulation
After School programs involve much more physical-oriented activities and classes, which help with mental stimulation in many other ways than what you would expect from regular schooling. It basically helps feed and embolden a child’s hunger for learning. This is done by introducing advanced opportunities and ideas regarding a number of topics. Such programs keep the children sharp and their minds well-stimulated, which acts as a perfect counterbalance to the sometimes boring but equally essential subjects in school.
3. Developing Social Skills
While relationship building and social learning are both being observed in a classroom, it pays to have children experience it in a different setting. After School programs serve as the perfect environment for children to practice their social skills and interact with their peers through social activities. A study shows that children having strong emotional and social skills have higher chances of attaining a high school diploma, college degree, and a full-time job.
4. Promoting a More Active Lifestyle
Staying active as a child is important and will immensely impact the kind of lifestyle your child will become used to as they grow up. Being active from a young age practically promotes a healthier lifestyle, helping children also make healthier life choices daily. While there are many ways for children to stay active, after school programs are one of the best ways to achieve that. Such programs teach children the importance of a healthy body and the understanding of the right elements for their physical development. That level of awareness for their physical well-being is important and can be carried by children for the rest of their lives.
5. Rest and Relaxation
Yes, after school programs do require learning, but it’s in a much more relaxed environment compared to the deep learning and cramping processes children do while at school. After School programs are designed to make children feel good about themselves, both physically and mentally, along with their talents and skills. In such a plain and simple environment, children are able to grasp new knowledge much more easily and are keen to learn more.
Conclusion
A good after school program can turn aimless hours after school into a productive, fun, and engaging time for learning. There really is no reason for you not to enroll your child in an after school program. In fact, they’ll be able to experience all of the benefits listed here and more.
Bright Scholars Early Learning Academy is a well-appointed educational child care center offering preschool, child care, voluntary pre-K, and after school programs in St. Cloud, Florida. We provide a safe and engaging environment for your children and an affordable solution for parents like you. Contact us today to learn more about our programs.