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Recreational after
school programs
After school programs can be divided into 3 broad categories:
academic,
recreational and social. Balanced development takes place when there
is
compatibility between the physical, mental as well as the
educational
achievements of the child. As the name suggests recreational after
school programs are based on a sport or recreation. Some of the more
common physical activities include football, swimming and
basketball. Some clubs offer programs like gymnastics, trekking and
hiking. In this case, youngsters are often given a short class in
first-aid class also.
Recreational after school programs offer children an opportunity to
let
off some steam and to destress themselves. The closed classroom
atmosphere and a day full of textbooks and writing cause the child
to repress his natural enthusiasm. He curbs his energy when he is
required to sit quietly in class and learn. Physical activity is an
all-time low during such times. This physical lethargy and inaction
is countermanded by
recreational activities. Growing concerns of obesity and child
diabetes
make it necessary for children to indulge in some strenuous
exercises that will allow them to work up some sweat.
Unlike educational programs, recreational programs do not tax the
mental processes. But, they do aid the learning process by making
the
child more active. A child who is physically active is mentally fit,
and
is able to focus his thoughts on the work at hand. Additionally,
recreational programs teach discipline, mechanics of teamwork and
fair
play. These are important lessons in the growing process.
As more and more nuclear families emerge, the child faces greater
isolation. Many children shuttle between their classroom and their
bedrooms and do not have any meaningful relationships outside these.
Recreational programs offer ample avenues for socialization. This is
a
place the child can go to and play even when his neighbor is not the
most welcoming. The Boy / Girl Scout programs are excellent
recreational after school programs. Lately, survival classes and
camps have devised to combine important survival skills with sports
and games to educate
children on how to handle emergencies.
Like any good after school program, recreational programs are
designed to give children a safe area where they can indulge in some
group activities that interest them. This is one of the most
effective ways to keep kids out of the streets and out of trouble.
But, one has to be careful when enrolling children for recreational
classes. The age of the child, his temperament and his physical
caliber has to be taken into account before you choose the right
program for your child.
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