After school program - recreational vs. educational

The recreational and educational aspects of an after school program should be addressed by parents at an early age to encourage self-awareness and growth.

Most after school programs will teach your children other than academic subjects and sometimes just to have fun after the hours spent in classrooms. The activities that are available for also meant for social interaction and getting along with the other children and establishing relationships. Broken down into three parts, most are broadly classified as recreational, educational and society-oriented.

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 both 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 becomes more involved. Many sport events, competitions, stage performances, etc. are held to encourage the child.

When we compare the merits of the two kinds of activities, some believe that the recreational programs have more to offer.  Firstly, children do not enjoy learning unless they themselves feel curious about something. Most academic programs are  standardized courses that are not 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 for them to handle their studies.

No matter which program you help choose for your child, regular evaluation is necessary since this is the key to success.  If the child’s progress is unsatisfactory, find a more suitable one. The child should also have the opportunity in  stopping an activity if he feels bored with it or does not show an interest. In general, the programs that combine educational aspects with recreational ones are best. Children learn better while having fun at the same time.