Create Your Own Free Kids' After School Program
There is much to be said about the merits of enrolling your child in an
after school program. But why not create your own at home - if you are
available. Perhaps you are worried of depriving your child of all that
extra knowledge and fun.
What should you do?
Fun activities need not be taught in a school-like environment by
professional teachers in a structured and timely manner. There is a lot
YOU can do to support your child's academic, physical and social
development.
Don't be too concerned about formal programs, as many of our
children are already over-scheduled.
Naturally, school is top priority for children. They need to go to school,
and finish their homework. They should then do their daily reading or
writing work etc. Let's say this may take about 30-60 minutes.
Your child may develop certain academic preferences and interests. Then
you can try and find a program in a college or a community center that
will help and encourage him or her.
Today, information is really not a rarity. Allow them to use the Internet to
find more information on topics that interest them. Encouraging the child to
do independent research to gain in-depth knowledge is something that no
formal program does.
If you are concerned about a lack of social life, enroll him or her in a
club - a reading club maybe. Visit public libraries or even the theatre,
if your child is interested.
Enrolling them in a local parent-child book club could be another
interesting option.
If you can round up a number of like-minded children and their parents,
you may well start your own after-school program.
Where there is no organized group activity, look to your community. Many
children love to get involved in social problems. They get their first
real taste of suffering, charity and community help from such experiences.
Volunteering for clean-up sessions, adult education programs etc could be
a real eye-opener for your child. The lessons thus learned are invaluable.
Perhaps physical activity or the lack of it is your major concern. Enrol your
child for some dancing classes. If organized sports are impossible to get,
try to enroll her or him into a gym. It's a great place to find new friends.
Your child does not necessarily have to be a part of an organized group to
benefit from after-school activities. There are various avenues open in
front of you.
Engaging the enthusiasm of your children in daily household
activities like cooking, cleaning etc can also provide them with a
refreshing extracurricular experience. Not to mention creating an early
set of home care habits for the future.
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Neil Smith has written extensively on life (and how to deal with it) including 3 non-fiction books and numerous blogs. To read more about his books CLICK HERE and one of his favourite blogs 'How To Be Human' CLICK HERE. See other blogs in the sidebar.
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after school program. But why not create your own at home - if you are
available. Perhaps you are worried of depriving your child of all that
extra knowledge and fun.
What should you do?
Fun activities need not be taught in a school-like environment by
professional teachers in a structured and timely manner. There is a lot
YOU can do to support your child's academic, physical and social
development.
Don't be too concerned about formal programs, as many of our
children are already over-scheduled.
Naturally, school is top priority for children. They need to go to school,
and finish their homework. They should then do their daily reading or
writing work etc. Let's say this may take about 30-60 minutes.
Your child may develop certain academic preferences and interests. Then
you can try and find a program in a college or a community center that
will help and encourage him or her.
Today, information is really not a rarity. Allow them to use the Internet to
find more information on topics that interest them. Encouraging the child to
do independent research to gain in-depth knowledge is something that no
formal program does.
If you are concerned about a lack of social life, enroll him or her in a
club - a reading club maybe. Visit public libraries or even the theatre,
if your child is interested.
Enrolling them in a local parent-child book club could be another
interesting option.
If you can round up a number of like-minded children and their parents,
you may well start your own after-school program.
Where there is no organized group activity, look to your community. Many
children love to get involved in social problems. They get their first
real taste of suffering, charity and community help from such experiences.
Volunteering for clean-up sessions, adult education programs etc could be
a real eye-opener for your child. The lessons thus learned are invaluable.
Perhaps physical activity or the lack of it is your major concern. Enrol your
child for some dancing classes. If organized sports are impossible to get,
try to enroll her or him into a gym. It's a great place to find new friends.
Your child does not necessarily have to be a part of an organized group to
benefit from after-school activities. There are various avenues open in
front of you.
Engaging the enthusiasm of your children in daily household
activities like cooking, cleaning etc can also provide them with a
refreshing extracurricular experience. Not to mention creating an early
set of home care habits for the future.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Neil Smith has written extensively on life (and how to deal with it) including 3 non-fiction books and numerous blogs. To read more about his books CLICK HERE and one of his favourite blogs 'How To Be Human' CLICK HERE. See other blogs in the sidebar.
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