After School Clubs

Which Program is Better For After School Activities - Recreational Or Educational?

After-School Program: Recreational VS Educational

Children require entertaining. Socializing is also an important part of growing and doing activities outsideschool expands their social circle and social skills. There are pros and cons to both educational and recreational extra curricular activities.

Some parents feel that sending their child to another educational setting straight from school, or during a weekend is too much pressure and they should be allowed to relax and go to clubs or youth centers where they can just talk and play games with friends.

You can argue that by sending your child to an educational after school club such as French classes gives them more socializing AND boosts their education, that it is not as strenuous as in school and so is more enjoyable. Drama and singing is often classed as recreational but can bring many advantages to your children when in a school setting too.

Children who participate in such activities are generally more confident, eloquent and better functioning in social environments. When it comes to making presentations at school, and more importantly at college, children who have joined in these types of "recreational" activities are more likely to succeed without feeling too much pressure, thus improving their educational abilities.

Many children attend after school clubs, sometimes because it's an easy way to get a child minder, sometimes because the child loves the activity and sometimes because the parents think it will benefit their children in terms of confidence and social skills. Now, children can have fun, increase their confidence and communication skills and gain Ucas points.

The UCAS Tariff now attempts to cover all UK qualifications and some foreign qualifications.

From 2008 LAMDA Advanced Graded Speech and Drama exams will be included in this tariff and students can gain between 20 and 65 points depending on grade and pass mark.

Ucas points start at grade 6 and if a student wants to maximise their points they really need to aim for a good pass at grade 8. If you're a little quiet and shy I would suggest studying for the Reading for Performance exams. Studying for these exams will not only gain you Ucas points but will greatly increase your confidence during the interview stage of applying for university places.

School is back in session and you're looking for a creative after school activity for kids. Whether you're a parent or after school care provider, keeping kids busy, happy and safe can be a challenge. I have listed ideas for after school clubs that are easy to plan and fun for kids to do.

Organize a cooking club to make a nutritious snack for everyone. Mix up fruit smoothies in a blender with low-fat yogurt, fresh fruit, honey and ice. Physical fitness is an activity to plan each day. Kids need about an hour of physical exercise each day. The club can also plan relay races and fitness and movement games. If weather is rainy or snowy, play indoor volleyball, basketball or set up an obstacle fitness course.

Eight more great after school club activity ideas:

Science Club: do experiments and record results

Chess Club: have tournaments

Book Club: read a book, discussion, and write book reviews

Dance Club: learn dance steps from all over the world

Language Club: learn sign or a foreign language

Photography Club: take photos of other clubs

Journalism Club: put together a monthly newsletter

Art Club: drawing, painting, sculpture, and cartooning

A different club or activity can be offered each day. Involve the kids in the planning, preparation, and even leading the club. The more the kids are involved in the activity, the more successful the activity will be.