While most in the afterschool field would agree that supporting academic skills is an important goal for afterschool programs, they stress the importance of integrating academic supports into a larger program that also promotes the social, emotional, and physical development of the children they serve.
In her regular column, Sandra Feldman, President of the American Federation of Teachers, recently wrote a "holiday wish list" in which she asked for "more learning time for children who need it. There is accumulating research that afterschool programs, summer school, and extended days and years enable children who are behind to catch up. And added academics are not enough. Poor children need the kind of extras that advantaged children take for granted but that too many poor children don't get: sports and cultural activities -- like singing in choirs, dancing, visiting museums -- and going on organized excursions.
There is growing evidence from around the country that this approach is paying off. Children and youth who attend afterschool programs do better in school, and are safer and less likely to get into trouble in the hours after the end of the school day. Below is a quick look at what the available data on afterschool programs have shown us. Afterschool programs can enhance children's academic achievement. Participants in afterschool programs:. Findings of Project Learn participants include an increase of 8.
Ohio Urban School Initiative Fourth graders who participated in the Ohio Urban School Initiative School-Age Child Programs exceeded the state-wide percentage of students meeting proficient standards in math, writing, reading, citizenship, and science. Maryland Extended Day Programs In a recent study of higher-success and lower-success elementary schools in Maryland, researchers found that the more successful schools were seeing consistent academic gains as a result of extended day programs.
Afterschool programs support children's social development and their relationships with adults and peers.
Children who participate in afterschool programs behave better in school, have more developed social skills, and show more self-confidence as a result of the caring relationships they develop with staff and other students in the program. Afterschool participants are also in smaller classes and can take advantage of the extra time with teachers.
Positive Feelings High school students in afterschool programs exhibit more positive feelings and attitudes toward the pressures of teen life and are more willing to share their talents with the community.
The afterschool hours are the time that students are most likely to experiment with drugs, alcohol, and tobacco and engage in other unsafe or dangerous behaviors. Performing on stage or playing a match can be a great experience for a young child.
After school programs keep your teenager busy. They have some amount of protection from destructive habits like drugs and alcohol. Surveys indicate that children who are kept busy through diverse absorbing activities are less prone to abuse, depression and burnout. Significant increase in achievement and attendance and a reduction in drop out rates are other advantages of a good after school programs. Most after school programs have children interacting with one or more adult. This allows them to benefit from positive relationships with adults.
Children often find it difficult to confide in parents and teachers, but may open up with other adults. Many children are put into recreational after school programs so that they reduce weight and remain healthy. Parents who cannot put their children on a strict diet resort to sports and games to burn fat. With cases of child diabetes on the increase, this has become a prime focus of many after school programs.
A good after school program has many benefits. It keeps the child entertained as well as busy, and thus prevents children from becoming addicted to TVs and PCs. Finding the right afterschool program for your child is key.
Explore this checklist of what to ask about a potential program. Share 6 Benefits of Afterschool Programs. Podcast Wunder community app. Main menu Our work Blog Surveys and research. Join our team Privacy policy Terms of use Fundraising disclosure Sitemap. At a Glance Homework help from an afterschool program can reduce battles at home. Older kids in afterschool programs are less likely to get involved in risky behavior.
Key Takeaways An afterschool program can expose kids to new interests. Kids who struggle with school may feel like they fit in better at an afterschool program. Staff at an afterschool program can give feedback to help kids improve their social skills. Related topics. Tell us what interests you.
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