Why are Afterschool Programs Important?

During school hours your kids are active and engaged. But, what happens after school? While all kids need some downtime, it’s also important to keep their bodies and minds active. You don’t want them to veg out in front of the TV or a screen all afternoon and all night. You want them to do something productive.

Some kids choose sports to keep them occupied, but not all children enjoy athletics. That’s why it’s important to find other afterschool programs that they will find interesting.

Why are afterschool programs important?

Let’s take a closer look at why afterschool programs are important for children and how your kids can benefit.

Helps kids feel like they belong

When kids are part of an afterschool program they begin to feel as though they belong. For many kids, feeling like they belong is difficult. Some may not have many friends in school that they have something in common with. But, when they join an afterschool program, they already share an interest that the program focuses on. This can help them make friends and find kids who share similar interests.

Improves social skills

As kids find peers who have common interests, they can start to work on their social skills. They’ll learn how to communicate with others and make friends. These are skills they can use in school and throughout their lives.

Builds confidence

When kids take part in afterschool programs, they can start building their confidence with the skills they are learning. Kids who don’t excel in school may need a self-esteem boost. Succeeding in afterschool programs can give them the added boost they need.

These self-esteem boosts are needed for kids of all ages. When they can get them through an afterschool program, it can really make a difference in their lives.

Kids can learn how to take feedback

When people ask you why are afterschool programs important, you can tell them that kids learn how to take feedback and criticism. Whether they’re working on an art project or computer programs, kids learn how to receive feedback and use it constructively. Knowing how to handle criticism and use it positively is a life skill that everyone can use.  Learning it during an afterschool program is a big benefit.

Helps to broaden children’s horizons

Schools are bound by the curriculum they have to teach and are not able to offer many extras. Afterschool programs have more leeway. This helps to broaden children’s horizons and expose them to areas they may never have experienced before.

Join an Afterschool Program at MakerKids

At MakerKids, our afterschool programs introduce kids to the world of STEM. Our coding, robotics, and Minecraft classes not only introduce kids to new skills but can also help to build on skills if they are already familiar with certain topics.

Our mentors are highly experienced and teach both in-person and virtual classes. There really is something for every child at MakerKids.

If you’re interested in learning more about any of our programs, call us today at 1-844-MAKERKIDS.

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