Six Benefits of an After School Program

Growing up as a “latch-key” kid has made me realize how important it is to have activities available for children after school. There are many reason having these options are beneficial to not only the kids, but the parents as well. An effective after school program can reap many benefits not only while the kids are in school, but positive rewards for life skills.

In today’s society, competition for college and jobs is rough. The learning needed to be truly successful comes from more than textbooks. After school activities are called “extra-curricular” because they provide life and educational experiences beyond the normal curriculum offered during the school day.

The overall development of children combines a magnitude of activities that sometimes is not fully addressed in the classroom.

After school programs are basically designed to offer children time for extra activities that may not fit into a school day. These can be artistic (like drama or band), academic (math or science clubs), intellectual (debate or chess club) or athletic (like running clubs or an organized sport).

These skills may not be fully expressed without the opportunities after school to focus on these talents. The benefits are large and children can pick something they have talent and/or interest in.

Obviously, school’s number one goal is to educate. But, no all education comes from books. After school activities enhance that education by providing various outlets that are not always addressed during regular hours. While it is good to be “book smart,” there is plenty of research that talk about various intelligences one can possess.

It is beneficial in today’s society to be well rounded. This whole person concept is advantageous on college and job applications. We no longer live in the industrial age where physical skills were important. We now live in a social and technological advanced society, where advanced and multiple skills are essential.

Socialization is another great benefit of after school programs. Children get to meet other students that may not be in their daytime classes. They will interact with others and have the opportunity to make new friends who share their interests.

Some after school programs like drama or music gets a child to perform in front of others which can break down shyness or social barriers.

This is beneficial for so many reasons. Having an after school activity for children, especially older kids, means less opportunity for destructive behaviors that may occur with unsupervision before parents get home. Children are focusing their energy on something positive instead of just “hanging out” after school.

These programs have shown a significant increase in academic achievement and attendance along with a reduction in drop out rates. Not only does it ease the worry for parents that have to work, it saves parents money on day care or babysitters.

When children and teenagers get involved in sports or other physical activities they will maintain a healthy weight and physique. It is well known that obesity in children is on the rise.

Getting involved in after-school sports and recreational activities can be a significant contribution to reducing childhood obesity. With cases of child diabetes on the rise, physical activity has become an important focus of many after school programs.

In addition to physical activities, just simply being involved in after school events means there is less chance they will snack on junk food, while plopping in front of the television. Mastering a new skill also contributes to a child’s increased self-esteem.

All of the above mentioned benefits contribute to an overall better education and experience for children, which will ultimately benefit the parents.

A good after school program gives children and teenagers a way to stay busy, enhance skills, socialize, explore creativity, build self-esteem, and provide opportunities to burn up all of that excess energy. They help shape the child’s overall personality, which will not only be a huge benefit on college and job interviews, but for life.