To make the most of a child’s education, it is important to incorporate subjects or activities that they are passionate about after the school day is over. For instance, some students may not have the option of taking an arts class as a part of their school curriculum, but specialized arts extracurriculars may be offered after school such as pottery, animation, painting and more.
Maybe a student wants to immerse themselves in the performing arts, practice their chess skills with friendly competition, take their academic skills to a new level with the debate club or a combination. Regardless of what a child’s interests are, they can explore them all to both learn new skills and meet new friends.
After-school programs can also be a great option to provide engagement for a student when parents are busy at work. These programs ensure their child is in a safe, educational environment rather than staring at a screen for the rest of the night. There are many options for elective-type after-school programs, but there are also academic-based after-school programs that provide a continuation in education.
Suburban Family spoke to some of the area’s experts in education to learn about the different types of after-school programs offered and the benefits that they provide students.
How can extracurricular activities heighten a student’s educational experience?
“After-school activities, specifically dance class, helps strengthen the mind, body and soul. Dancers are taught that working hard through a slow, steady pace in and out of the dance class results in stronger understanding of material, which boosts their self-confidence. Hard work and confidence go hand in hand on the dance floor.”
– Suzanne C. Steinbach, director, Lowe Dance Studio
What can extracurricular activities do to improve social skills?
“Participating in Westfield’s after-school programs – including chess club, yoga and mindfulness, flag football and history club – provide our students with invaluable opportunities to improve their social skills through teamwork, collaboration and effective communication. Engaging in these activities fosters confidence and self-esteem by instilling a sense of achievement.
“Students frequently take on leadership roles, guiding others with both intellect and empathy, which helps them develop these crucial skills. Ultimately, extracurricular activities cultivate a nurturing environment for honing social abilities and equipping students to extend their reach beyond their individual capabilities.”
– Lily Taylor, director of advancement and communications, Westfield Friends School
How does continued learning after school help with retention of information and successful test scores?
“It’s very much like practicing a sport. If you go take golf lessons and you go to a driving range with your golf pro [but] never go out and practice on the course, you’ll never really improve. So, we want to make sure that the students learn here, learn in the classroom and practice the things they’re learning about at home.”
– Rich Bernstein, executive director, Huntington Learning Center Cherry Hill and Turnersville
Published (and copyrighted) in Suburban Family Magazine, Volume 15, Issue 3.
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