|
 
|
|
|
|
| |
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.
|
|
|
