Every child has a unique set of needs and interests outside of their classroom activities. Extracurricular activities are an excellent way to cultivate those interests that help students build and develop social and emotional skills that they will rely on for years to come. Making the most of the time students have to explore and learn outside of the classroom is just as important as the skills they learn inside the classroom. From sports to arts and clubs to classes, these programs help fill after school time with productive learning.
Here are just a few impactful benefits of these programs:
Improve grades and test scoresMany after school programs provide help with school assignments and test prep in an environment that differs from the traditional classroom setting. Students that may be more shy, can benefit from the ability to be in a smaller, more comfortable space to receive help and ask questions. After school programs may even provide a fresh outlook on a school subject, getting students more interested in a topic they may not have been before. After all, students who are excited about learning are bound to perform better in school!
Learn and develop soft skills
After school programs are a great opportunity for kids to learn teamwork and other valuable soft skills like communication and collaboration. Often the theme or purpose of after school programs is devoted to developing these characteristics. Grit, determination, empathy, and problem solving are just a handful of the amazing soft skills that can be gained from participating in after school programs.
Create a sense of community and belonging
Many after school programs focus on socialization and forming friendships. These experiences can boost self esteem and confidence, leading to improved behavior in and out of school and fewer emotional problems. If after school programs are run outside of children’s schools, it can be a great opportunity to meet new friends and make connections in new environments.
Keeping students on track
According to After School Alliance's research, more than 15 million students, including approximately 3.7 million middle schoolers, are alone and unsupervised between 3 and 6 p.m. In this gap of time, juvenile crime and experimentation with drugs, alcohol, and cigarettes are at their highest. After school programs are an effective deterrent for these kinds of behavior and provide a safe space with reliable supervision. When kids spend the time after school in a program where they can learn new skills and build friendships, the benefits are endless and their potential is unlimited.
Build tools for successful futures
After school programs offer kids a way to explore interests and hobbies that could lead to college majors and career paths later on. For example, a coding program may lead to an interest in computer science or engineering. Many after school programs provide an outlet for new experiences and interests that may not be as easily discovered in school. In addition to this, after school programs effectively build interpersonal skills that will be invaluable throughout students' academic and professional careers. Skills learned at an after school program at age 10 could set the stage for landing that awesome job at age 22!
Our goal at Peachjar goal is to help school districts connect their families to programs and resources that encourage their students to reach their full potential both in and outside the classroom.