Making the Most of After School Time

Most parents realize that the time their children spend in school is only a relatively small part of their day, and that their education extends well beyond the six or so hours they spend in the classroom.

While enrolling their children in after school programs can at times seem like a program coordinator's nightmare, parents usually see after school activities as opportunities to broaden their children's horizons, and provide more specific structured activities that schools are not equipped to provide. Often after school activities also provide much needed physical activity and social interaction for children.

Carefully chosen after school activities can give a child new insights and allow him or her to develop new skills, talents and interests they might otherwise not have the chance to experience.

For instance, music is one of the most popular after school activities. Learning to play an instrument like the piano is something children have done for generations. When done correctly learning an instrument teaches an appreciation for art as well as providing an opportunity to experience performing in front of others.

Learning an instrument also gives children an insight into music that goes beyond just listening to it passively. This applies to playing in a musical group, singing in a choir or ensemble, learning to dance, or being involved in drama. All of these activities involve learning to appreciate and develop an esthetic point of view. They also require mastering an often complicated set of skills, and they often take place in a group setting where everyone is working together towards a common goal.

This illustrates the point that after school programs are often designed to develop talents or skills that are too specialized to be taught during regular school time. Schools are structured to provide a grounding in basic skills rather than specialized ones. Educators look at the whole curriculum and try to decide on a core that should apply to everyone. But there is simply not enough time or resources to provide specialized activities for all children.

This is the role filled by music teachers, scouting groups, and recreational sports leagues, along with an almost unlimited number of others providing after school activities for children of all ages.

Of course there are other very practical benefits of a child being involved in organized after school activities. For instance, just keeping children busy doing something constructive is often a parent's biggest challenge. Playing on a soccer or baseball team keeps children occupied when they might otherwise be susceptible to destructive habits such as drugs or alchohol.

Many of these activities also provide much needed physical exercise. During the last two decades there has been an alarming increase in the number of obese and overweight children. Some surveys put it as high as 15% of all children under 16 in the U.S.

It is hard to dispute the fact that children are eating more unhealthy food and getting much less exercise than was the case just one generation ago. Any after school activity that takes them away from the television or computer -- even for a few hours a week -- and provides a constructive alternative to inactivity is a good thing.

Regardless of the activity, if it is challenging and provides enjoyment along with a sense of accomplishment it will enhance a child's self-esteem, broaden her interests, and increase her awareness of the multitude of different opportunities that exist for the future.

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