While youngsters can interact with their peers while participating in class projects, eating lunch, and playing outside during recess, after school programs give them a chance to improve their learning skills further and have fun after school ends. Kids boost childhood development and learn how to get along with others and succeed both in and out of the classroom. Below is a closer look at how after school programs benefit children. 

How After School Programs Improve Children’s Developmental Skills

Opportunity to Expand Circle of Friends

After school programs are often open to all youngsters in the community, which will give your child a chance to meet new faces. If they are shy, interacting with other kids and adults in a relaxed, engaging environment will help them come out of their shell. When they develop friendships with other kids in the program, socializing will become easier in many different situations.

Time to Let the Imagination Run Wild

Young kids might not know how to articulate their feelings with words, which makes art so essential to early childhood development. Many after school programs have arts and crafts areas, painting classes, and more hands-on opportunities for kids to develop positive emotional responses by depicting their feelings in a creative way. Programming could also include field trips to local museums, talks with local artists, and additional activities to cultivate a love of the arts. 

Chance to Participate in Physical Activities 

From streaming cartoons on smartphones to chatting on social media sites with friends, advancements in technology have led some children to lead sedentary lifestyles. After school programs offer group sports, playground equipment, and additional activities to keep kids entertained and active. Children will get their heart pumping and blood flowing on a regular basis, which will inspire a desire to remain fit and energized as they grow older.

If you want to enroll your child in an academic-based after school program in Brooklyn, NY, reach out to the educators at FasTracKids in Williamsburg to learn more about the STEM programs available for preschool students and children up to 10 years old. To learn more about activities and lesson plans at this learning center, call (347) 987-4450. Visit the team online for a list of events.