After School Program Recreational Vs Educational
So, your child is beginning to get restless and make you restless. He
has got more time than is good for him, and you are now considering
after school programs – anything that will keep him busy for a few
life-saving hours! Most after school activities can be broadly
classified into three – recreational, educational and society-oriented.
The last bit usually comes in when your child is already a bit grown up
and can voice his own interests.
Educational activities aim at furthering the knowledge of your child.
His general awareness, his understanding and his memory are targeted and
he is given various techniques that will help him improve one or all of
these. Programs such as intensive memory training and speed mathematics
are educational after school activities. There are academic programs
that will go over your child’s homework and class work and help the
child gain more in-depth knowledge in the various subjects. Thus
academic programs have a definite edge over the fun and games,
especially if parents feel that their child has a lot of catching up to
do.
Recreational activities include sports and games, fine arts, painting
etc. The main thrust here is to have fun. Of course, classes become more
competitive as the child climbs up the ladder. Many sport events,
competitions, stage performances etc are held to encourage the child.
When we compare the merits of the two kinds of activities, I believe
that the recreational programs have more meat. Firstly, children do not
enjoy learning unless they themselves feel curious about something. Most
academic programs are standardized courses that are not too flexible.
They have a general purpose and a well laid out methodology. After a
number of hours at school, the child may feel bored. Further study may
overwhelm him and make him feel frustrated. Burnout is very much a
possibility here.
Recreational programs provide a welcome break from the monotony of
learning and studies. The mental challenge and the physical exertion
make the child feel a renewed zest and a pleasant sense of fulfillment.
Group activity teaches him social skills, discipline and patience. It is
a proven fact that children involved in extra curricular activities get
better grades than others. Sometimes closing the textbooks and playing a
game may be the best way to handle your studies.
Whatever program you choose for your child, regular evaluation is the
key to success. You will have to measure the child’s progress. If
progress is unsatisfactory, shift your child out of the program. The
child should also have the freedom to reject an activity if and when he
feels bored with it. Generally, programs that combine the educational
with the recreational are best suited especially for younger children.
This way, children can have fun while they learn.
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