Is child starting to get restless, and therefore making you restless as a result? Consider after school programs – something that will keep him busy for a couple of life-saving hours!
Educational activities aim at furthering the knowledge of the child. His general awareness, his understanding and his memory are targeted and he is given various techniques that will help him improve one or most of these. Programs such as intensive memory training and speed mathematics are educational after school activities. You can find academic programs that will go over your child’s homework and class work and give the child more in-depth knowledge of the various subjects. Academic programs use a definite edge over the fun and games, particularly if parents feel that the youngster has a lot of catching up to accomplish.
Recreational activities include sports and games, fine arts, painting, and the like. The main idea here is to have fun. Of course, classes are 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 convey more “meat and potato” (solid) type activities. Firstly, children don’t enjoy learning unless they themselves feel interested in learning something. Most academic programs are standardized courses that aren’t too flexible. There is a general purpose along with a well laid out methodology. After a number of hours in 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 give a welcome break from your monotony of learning and studies. The mental challenge and also the physical exertion make the child feel a renewed zest along with a pleasant sense of fulfillment. Group activity teaches him social skills, discipline and patience. Sometimes closing textbooks and playing a game may be the best way to handle studies.
Whatever program you decide on for your child, regular evaluation is paramount to success. You will need to measure the child’s progress. If progress is unsatisfactory, shift your youngster out of the program (your 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, particularly for younger children.