After School Activities

So, your child comes home from school with far too much energy and he's got far more time than is good for him. If you're a working parent, after school programs, anything that will keep him busy for a few life-saving hours, are a fantastic way to help a child occupy some time in a useful way! Most after school activities can be broadly classified into three different types:

* Recreational * Educational and * Society-oriented.

(The society orientated activity type is usually only suitable when your child is already a bit grown up and can voice his own interests.)

Educational activities aim at furthering the knowledge of your child. Their general awareness, understanding and memory are targeted and children are given various techniques to help improve one or all of these. Programs such as intensive memory training and speed mathematics are great educational after school activities. There are academic programs that, using the current school curriculum, will go over your child's homework and class work and help the child gain more in-depth knowledge in their various subjects. As a consequence, academic programs have a definite edge over the fun and games, especially if you, as a parent, feel that your child has some catching up to do.

The Recreational classification of after school activities includes all type of sports, art work and games etc. The main aim here is for the child to have fun. In reality, these classes often become more competitive as the child climbs up the ladder within their group. This is a good thing and will help prepare the child for real life experiences later. Many sport events, competitions, stage performances etc. take place to generate encouragement in the child.

When we compare the merits of these two kinds of activities, it's often agreed that the recreational programs have more benefit. To start, most children struggle to learn unless they actually have an interest or are curious about a subject. Most academic programs are standardized courses that are not too flexible. They usually have a general purpose and a well laid out methodology. After a day at school, many children may feel bored with further studying and the additional 'work' may be overwhelming for them. Burnout is a very strong possibility for many children in this situation.

Recreational programs, however, provide a welcome break from the monotony of learning and studies. The mental challenge and the physical exertion make the child feel a renewed zest and a pleasant sense of fulfillment. As after school recreational programs are usually group activities, they also teach children social skills, discipline and patience. It is a proven fact that children involved in regular extra curricular activities get better grades than children who do nothing after school. Often, the best way to help children focus on their school work is to let them close the text books and play a game.

Whatever program you choose for your child, regular evaluation is always the key to success so you must measure your child's progress. If progress is unsatisfactory, shift your child to a more suitable program. The child should also have the freedom to reject an activity if and when they become bored or unhappy. Generally, programs that combine the educational with the recreational are best suited especially for younger children. This way, you ensure your children can have fun while they learn.