A home-based after school program
So, your son's school does not offer any
extracurricular activities. You are worried of depriving your child of all that
extra knowledge and fun. What should you do?After school 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. Do not be too concerned about formal programs,
as many of our children are already over-scheduled. Obviously, 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. This may take
about 30-60 minutes. In the course of his daily work, your child may develop
certain academic preferences and interests.
In that case, you can try and find
a program in a college or a community center that will help him and encourage
him. In the age of the Internet, information is really not a rarity. Allow him to
use the net to find more information about thing that he likes. Encouraging the
child to do independent research to gain in-depth knowledge is something that
no formal program does.
If you are concerned about the 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. It is not necessary for your
child to make friends with children his own age. A parent-child book club is
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.
When 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 learnt are invaluable. If physical activity or
the lack of it is your major concern, enroll your child for some dancing
classes. If organized sports are impossible to get, try to enroll her in a gym.
She may find friends there and may take to the treadmill. 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. Roping
in the enthusiasm of your children in daily household activities like cooking,
cleaning etc can also provide them with a refreshing extracurricular experience.
Moreover, it will improve family ties too.
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After-School Activities
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