Research has found that after-school programs boost children’s A, B, and Cs–attendance, behaviour, and coursework. When children are involved in these types of programs, they have the opportunity to gain new skills and elevate their abilities in everything from test scores to classroom behaviour.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain the importance of after school programs near you, the types you should consider, and how to find the right ones for your child.
Discover the Importance of After-School Programs
• Supporting Academic Development – After school programs near me provide tutoring, support homework completion, and foster an appreciation for academic excellence.
• Social Development – Participating in after school activities gives your child the opportunity to mingle with peers. Whether they had it initially or not, they will be given the chance to build confidence and self-esteem because they are distanced from the usual pressures of school. Similarly, some programs teach skills that are unrelated to school topics, which allows students to excel in other areas.
• Exploring Other Interests – After school programs allow children to explore new activities, introduce them to potential career paths, and discover new interests.
• Less Pressure – The stresses of school–social and academic–can hamper learning. After-school evening classes allow children to learn at their own pace and in a different environment from school. By alleviating pressure, children are given the opportunity to flourish and receive the support they need.
Choosing the Right After-School Programs: Options to Consider
• STEAM Programs – Science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics are the foundational topics within a school’s curriculum. Each of these fields can improve comprehension, prompt children to ask important questions, and even apply their learning practically. Plus, they prepare children for future careers in high-demand fields.
• Arts and Music – Arts, crafts, and music-oriented programs instill creativity. Whether your child wants to pursue a beloved hobby or take the next step in their artistic journey, these martial arts programs can help them do that.
• Sports Programs – Rugby, lacrosse, basketball, and after school karate classes are just a few sports programs that are available. Each of these programs promote positive fitness habits, discipline, coordination, and skill.
• Community Leadership – These programs involve community learning and leadership workshops. They combine play, character education, and civic awareness.
Finding the Right After-School Activities Near You
After school programs can improve learning outcomes, physical fitness, and personal growth. By finding a program that furthers your child’s development and engages their interests, you will be able to maximize their after-school adventures.
The first step is identifying your child’s interests and areas for improvement to help narrow which types of programs are best for them.
When you are researching after school programs near you, consider the curriculum and activities they offer. Check if the staff is qualified and whether they offer years of experience working with children. Don’t forget the camp schedule needs to align with your schedule too!
Once you have a shortlist of TaeKwonDo programs, dive into their reviews or try to speak to other parents about them. Online reviews can be helpful indicators, while other parents’ experiences can be extremely enlightening.
Finally, if possible, visit the facility and observe the program before enrolling your child. Check for cleanliness, whether the staff is friendly and informative, and what the environment is like. These are all deciding factors of whether a program should be your top choice.
Waterloo’s Leading After-School Karate Classes
5 Rings Taekwondo is the go-to school for evening martial arts classes. Your child will learn self-defense skills, receive support with their homework, and be supervised by instructors who have represented Canada at Olympic Trials, the Commonwealth Games, and the highest international levels of Taekwondo. Our Masters have a passion for Taekwondo that is infectious on our students – give your children the chance to spark a new interest by enrolling them today!
To learn more about our after-school classes, talk to us or book a tour of our facility.