How after school programs develop your child s skills

How Afterschool Programs

Develop Your Child’s Skills

A good afterschool program offers a host of benefits

to children of all ages.

Safe, structured activities give kids a chance to hone

academic skills, try out new hobbies, play games and

hang out with friends.

In an age when many kids go home

and just tune in to the TV and surf

around online, often waiting for

parents to get home from work …

… after school programs offer exercise, time for

home work and a chance to play outdoors in a

supervised environment.

It’s been shown that the peak hour for juvenile crime

is between 3 pm and 4 pm, and after school programs

keep kids off the street and happily entertained.

ACADEMIC BOOST

Kids pretty much always benefit from scheduled time for

homework, and afterschool programs include a block of

time just for class assignments …

… with the added benefit of staff on hand, often teachers

or tutors, to help with that tough math problem or

complex essay.

Because the programs are less formal than the regular

classroom, kids tend to feel more comfortable asking

for assistance.

More confidence in academic ability not only leads to

improved grades, but diminishes the chance that kids will

skip school, drop out or exhibit other behavioral problems.

SAFE AND SOUND

After school programs give kids a safe place to be during

the dangerous afterschool hours when parents tend to be

still at work and free time can lead to mischief or worse.

Being in a supervised program lessens the likelihood

that your child will either commit or be the victim of

adolescent crime as they reach middle school.

Attendees in this type of program are significantly less

likely to engage in risky behaviors like smoking, drug

use, gang activity, theft and vandalism.

COOL NEW HOBBIES

Many after school programs include instruction in a

wide arrange of outside pursuits from chess and

woodworking to basketball and theater.

Kids can sign up to take part in various electives, and your

youngster just may find he can quickly give you a run for

your money in a chess match or discovers an exciting new

passion for art or tennis.

In a relaxed atmosphere surrounded by a variety of other

youngsters, it’s easy to get excited and try something new.

ON THE MOVE

Kids stay active at after-school programs, burning up

extra energy on the playground or sports court.

Some programs even provide instruction in everything

from swimming to soccer, all of which have the super

benefit of helping kids get into great healthy living habits.

It’s not surprising that kids who attend after-school

programs have been found to have a significantly lower

rate of obesity.

SOCIAL SAVVY

It’s not just academic skills that get a super lift from after

school programs.

Kids who attend have been found to have fewer

behavioral problems, more self-confidence and better

conflict-resolution skills.

With adults around to help them deal better with peer issues,

kids get some handy guidance in strategies for coping with

day-to-day problems as well as lessons on respect for others

and open-mindedness.

Supervised activities and down time lets kids have fun with

friends after school instead than lounging around on the

couch waiting for mom or dad to get home …

… and it’s also a great way to meet new people and make

new friends in a nurturing environment.

Let your kids enjoy the after school program experience at Maplewood Summer Day Camp.

Experienced staff will keep your child both safe and busy with arts and crafts, games, water sports, gymnastics and more.

Visit the site at

http://www.maplewoodyearround.com

Maplewood Country Day Camp

and Enrichment Center

150 Foundry St. (Route 106)

PO Box 88 (Mailing)

South Easton, MA 02375

Email: info@maplewoodyearround.com

Telephone: (508) 238-2387

FAX: (508) 238-1154