Introduction to After-School Programs
After-school programs can help set kids up for success later in life. As back-to-school season arrives, you may consider enrolling your child in an after-school program. New York City just announced 40 new afterschool programs, opening 5,000 new spots for K-5 students citywide. According to a 2022 YouScience study, 75% of high school graduates feel moderately, slightly, or not at all prepared to make college or career decisions, while another study found that nearly 60% of parents felt their teenagers lacked essential life skills, such as knowing how to make the bed, clean a toilet, or vacuum a room, when they left home.
Benefits of After-School Programs
After-school programs can vary, but they are a great resource for young children and teenagers, and are a great way for your child to explore their interests and develop essential life skills that can assist them later in life. From cooking to woodshop, these programs can instill life-long skills into your child.
Cooking Classes
What kid doesn’t like to get their hands dirty, especially when they can eat it after? Cooking classes are a great skill to embed in children. It is not only a great way to get creative and explore new flavors, but it can also open doors to learning about new cultures, increasing vegetable intake, and incorporating and practicing math and science skills through measurement and temperature gauging. A study from Tufts University found that 28% of Americans say they don’t know how to cook, while another study found that 54% of Americans admit they are not proficient in the kitchen. Cooking classes are an investment that will continuously serve your child and ensure they can prepare their own meals and produce independence while eating healthy.
Swimming Classes
Drowning is the leading cause of unintentional injury death for children ages 1 to 4. However, while considered a life skill, knowing how to swim is not as common among Americans as you would think. According to the American Red Cross, 54% of American adults either can’t swim or don’t have basic swimming skills. Swim classes are not only a great way to stay physically fit and gain muscle strength, but also to prevent drowning. Some additional benefits of swim classes include improved cardiovascular health, enhanced endurance and muscle strength, and improved posture, making it a great after-school program.
Dance Classes
Creative expression is key for young children and adults as they progress into the real world. Dance classes provide many health benefits, including improved cognitive development by learning complex and different dance combinations, improved flexibility, and boosted confidence. In fact, dance has such beneficial effects on the brain that it is now being used to treat people with Parkinson’s disease, according to a recent Harvard study. Dance as an after-school program is also a great way to build discipline and explore the various genres from modern to ballet and contemporary.
Woodshop Classes
While some may consider woodshop classes outdated or old school, they still have many benefits as an after-school program. They encourage creativity and problem-solving, and can lead to lucrative careers down the road, such as carpentry. Completing a project, such as a stool or chair, also provides a sense of accomplishment and integrates math and science for brain enrichment.
Chess Classes
Chess classes are a great after-school program to keep your child engaged and sharpen critical thinking skills. Complex situations are grounds for strategic thinking as players decide what move to make next, and teach discipline and sportsman-like behavior. It can help your child later down the line when they need to use critical thinking to make deductions.
Conclusion
After-school programs are a great way to provide your child with essential life skills that can benefit them later in life. From cooking to chess, these programs can help your child develop important skills, build confidence, and explore their interests. By enrolling your child in an after-school program, you can help set them up for success and provide them with a strong foundation for their future.
FAQs
Q: What are the benefits of after-school programs?
A: After-school programs can provide children with essential life skills, help them develop important skills, build confidence, and explore their interests.
Q: What types of after-school programs are available?
A: There are many types of after-school programs available, including cooking, swimming, dance, woodshop, and chess classes.
Q: How can after-school programs help my child?
A: After-school programs can help your child develop important skills, build confidence, and explore their interests, which can benefit them later in life.
Q: Are after-school programs only for young children?
A: No, after-school programs are available for children of all ages, including teenagers.
Q: How can I find an after-school program for my child?
A: You can search online, ask your child’s school or local community center for recommendations, or look for programs in your area that align with your child’s interests.
