AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAM
AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM: 5 YEARS OLD (ENTRANCE TO KINDERGARTEN)- 12 YEARS OLD
​Our After-School Classroom is designed to provide continued learning and enrichment for school-aged children:
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Homework Assistance and Academic Support: We offer a structured environment where children can complete their homework with guidance from our educators. This support helps reinforce the skills they learn in school and ensures they stay on track academically.
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Skill-Building Activities: We provide activities that focus on developing specific skills such as critical thinking, teamwork, and time management. These activities are designed to be both educational and fun, keeping children engaged while they learn.
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Creative and Recreational Activities: After a structured school day, children have the opportunity to unwind through creative projects, games, and outdoor play. These activities promote socialization, creativity, and physical health.
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Cultural and Language Enrichment: We continue to support dual language learners by incorporating bilingual materials and activities that celebrate different cultures and languages. This helps children develop a global perspective and appreciation for diversity.
For the after-school program, learning centers should be designed to support the diverse needs and interests of school-aged children, typically ranging from 5 to 12 years old. These centers should offer opportunities for academic reinforcement, creative expression, social interaction, and physical activity. Here are some developmentally age-appropriate learning centers for an after-school program:
Homework & Study Center
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Focus: Provides a quiet space for children to complete homework, study, and receive academic support.
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Activities: Desks, chairs, reference books, school supplies (pencils, paper, calculators), and access to a computer or tablet for research. Include a staff member or tutor available to help with difficult assignments or to explain concepts.
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Developmental Benefits: Supports academic success, time management skills, independent work habits, and reinforces learning from the school day.
Reading & Literacy Center
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Focus: Encourages a love for reading and supports literacy development.
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Activities: A wide selection of age-appropriate books, including chapter books, graphic novels, and non-fiction; comfortable seating like bean bags or cushions; and reading comprehension games. Incorporate opportunities for children to discuss books or participate in book clubs.
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Developmental Benefits: Enhances reading skills, comprehension, vocabulary, and critical thinking. Encourages a lifelong love of reading and storytelling.
Art & Creative Expression Center
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Focus: Encourages a love for reading and supports literacy development.
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Activities: A wide selection of age-appropriate books, including chapter books, graphic novels, and non-fiction; comfortable seating like bean bags or cushions; and reading comprehension games. Incorporate opportunities for children to discuss books or participate in book clubs.
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Developmental Benefits: Enhances reading skills, comprehension, vocabulary, and critical thinking. Encourages a lifelong love of reading and storytelling.
STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, ART and Math) Center
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Focus: Engages children in hands-on learning related to STEM fields.
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Activities: Science experiments, building challenges with LEGO or other construction materials, coding games, robotics kits, and math puzzles. Incorporate activities that allow children to apply school concepts in fun, practical ways.
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Developmental Benefits: Develops problem-solving skills, critical thinking, creativity, and an interest in STEM fields. Encourages exploration and experimentation in a safe environment.
Dramatic Play and Theater Center
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Focus: Provides opportunities for imaginative play, role-playing, and dramatic expression.
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Activities: Costumes, props, a small stage area, puppets, and scripts for short plays or skits. Include opportunities for children to create their own plays or perform for their peers.
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Developmental Benefits: Enhances social-emotional skills, teamwork, communication, and creativity. Helps children explore different roles and develop self-confidence.
Physical Activity & Sports Center
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Focus: Promotes physical fitness, teamwork, and gross motor skills through active play.
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Activities: Sports equipment like balls, jump ropes, hula hoops, and cones; organized games like soccer, basketball, or tag; and opportunities for free play or obstacle courses.
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Developmental Benefits: Improves physical health, coordination, strength, and teamwork. Encourages children to stay active and develop a positive attitude toward physical fitness.
Music & Dance Center​​
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Focus: Combines music education with opportunities for movement and rhythm.
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Activities: Musical instruments (drums, keyboards, guitars), music listening stations, dance props (scarves, ribbons), and space for group dancing or choreographing routines.
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Developmental Benefits: Develops musical skills, rhythm, coordination, and self-expression. Encourages creativity and physical activity through music and dance.
Technology & Digital Media Center
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Focus: Introduces children to responsible technology use and digital literacy.
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Activities: Computers or tablets with educational games, graphic design software, video editing tools, and opportunities to explore coding or digital storytelling. Include lessons on internet safety and digital citizenship.
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Developmental Benefits: Enhances digital literacy, creativity, problem-solving skills, and an understanding of technology's role in modern life. Prepares children for future technological challenges.
Social & Emotional Learning (SEL) Center
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Focus: Provides activities that promote emotional well-being, self-awareness, and social skills.
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Activities: Games and activities that focus on empathy, teamwork, conflict resolution, and mindfulness; emotion regulation tools like stress balls or calming jars; and discussions or journaling about feelings and experiences.
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Developmental Benefits: Supports social-emotional development, emotional regulation, empathy, and positive relationships. Encourages self-awareness and healthy social interactions.
Cultural Exploration & Global Awareness Center
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Focus: Introduces children to different cultures and global perspectives.
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Activities: Maps, globes, cultural artifacts, music and dance from various cultures, language learning tools, and projects that explore global traditions and customs.
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Developmental Benefits: Broadens cultural awareness, fosters respect for diversity, and helps children develop a global perspective. Encourages curiosity about the world and its people.
Cooking & Nutrition Center
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Focus: Teaches basic cooking skills, nutrition, and healthy eating habits.
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Activities: Simple, child-friendly cooking tools, recipes, ingredients, and activities like making snacks, baking, or preparing simple meals. Include lessons on healthy food choices and the importance of nutrition.
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Developmental Benefits: Develops life skills, fine motor coordination, and an understanding of healthy eating. Encourages independence and confidence in the kitchen.
Community & Service
Learning Center
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Focus: Encourages children to engage with their community and develop a sense of responsibility.
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Activities: Community service projects, fundraising for causes, group discussions about community needs, and opportunities to plan and execute service activities.
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Developmental Benefits: Develops empathy, social responsibility, and leadership skills. Encourages children to contribute positively to their community.
These learning centers provide a well-rounded environment for after-school children to explore their interests, reinforce academic skills, and engage in activities that promote their overall development.