Start off by making investigations, nothing can beat the power of information, approach the school authorities first. Find out if they are offering any after school activities. Get a list of the various classes that are available in your school. In case the school does not provide any extracurricular activities for the child, approach your neighbors. Collect information about any after school programs, the quality of the courses taught and the timings etc. Also, check out the community resources. These may include places of worship, community centers, museums, libraries.
After you have collected all the necessary information, discuss the various options with your child. Find out what his interests are the best way to find out what is most suitable is to ask your child. When little children are too small, you cannot completely rely on their feedback. In this case, monitor the development of the child on a regular basis. If the child shows excessive resistance to an activity, it may be necessary to look for other options. Always consider your family’s schedule when planning the extracurricular activities. If it is difficult for you to chauffeur your child, you may want to employ tutors at home or conduct some activity at home itself.
Popular After-School Activities
Here are some suggestions for parents to investigate:
• Art. Art is fundamental to education as a cross-brain experience that involves mind, body and heart, Pittman says. A 2019 study by the Brookings Institution examined an initiative for elementary and middle school students in Houston that provided an average of 10 enriching arts education experiences across dance, music, theater and the visual arts. For elementary schools specifically, the study showed that “increases in arts learning positively and significantly affect students’ school engagement, college aspirations, and their inclinations to draw upon works of art as a means for empathizing with others.”
• Foreign languages. Research shows multiple benefits when children learn another languages, an organization representing language educators and administrators. The benefits include a correlation between language learning and higher academic achievement (including higher standardized test scores); improved cognitive abilities, such as memory; and a positive attitude toward the new language and people who speak it.
• Martial arts. The martial arts are an excellent form of physical activity, and they also teach respect, honor and discipline. A recent post by Martial Arts Unleashed lists five styles that are beneficial for children: karate, taekwondo, Brazilian jujitsu, judo and wrestling.
• Music. Music is another cross-brain experience, and countries including Japan and Denmark incorporate it into early childhood education, Pittman says. When students have a chance to play an instrument, sing in a chorus or participate in other musical activities, they are more likely to stay in school and to perform superior in English, math, science and second languages.
• Sports. This is another type of multi-modal learning that involves your child’s brain, physical activity and social interaction. Walker says. “Exercise creates an upper for the brain,” she says. “This helps us think more clearly, be more creative and reinforces the ability to learn.” The Aspen Institute’s Project Play has advice for parents who are trying to find the best sport or local program, mobilize their community to improve play, or coach children more effectively.
• STEM. Science, technology, engineering and math, commonly referred to as STEM, are key skills for today’s students. The After school Alliance’s STEM Hub offers information about the importance of programs that immerse children in these subjects. Many after-school programs are trying to do more with STEM.
S. Muzaffar Ali
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