All the learning is not restricted to school and more and more parents tend to look for overall development of their child. In order for a kid to learn and develop in all other spheres of life, he or she needs to be a part of after-school programs.
A lot of evaluation studies conducted on the importance of after-school programs show that they help in a very holistic growth of the child. They work as a great skill building exercise too.
Why Are After School Programs Important?
After-school programs are not just meant to keep your kids occupied during the afternoon but have a more important purpose. Schools are only restricted to learn from the books but a child in that age needs a more wholesome growth which is provided by after school programs. They also learn a lot of skills that would be useful for them all their lives, this includes time-management skills, build self-esteem, and practice goal-setting. Though some may find it tough to be a part of these activities in a tight schedule, they will definitely reap benefits in the future.

(Image Courtesy: YMCA Auckland)
How Do After- School Programs Help Students?
Students benefit a lot from such after school program. Studies are crucial but various other activities benefit a student in his life and teach them important skills. It also gives them a new set of friends, and they won’t have to deal with the same social issues with them. If the student is not too good in studies and builds interest in the activity, it would be a big morale booster.
A program like this acts as a great platform for social interaction and promotes cooperation, support, and respect. It is a great place for a child to find his voice and learn to express himself. Also, every student hates homework because they seem more a liability than a way to learn something. These programs offer a structured homework help, and this can greatly help a student to get over that issue and actually learn while studying.Lastly, learning can be a far richer experience if it is fun. These classes are stress-free and even students with learning issue won’t have a tough time with them.

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Advantages Of After School Programs
The various advantages that after school programs have been vast and varied. They can help in the growth of a child and actually make him or her, find their true potential. Participating in these programs can influencing academic performance and even create better higher education aspirations.Certain positive effects of after school programs are:
#1. A student learns to prioritize his time and use it well in order to accomplish all the important tasks. This skill is useful even later in life.
#2. Studies are important but the student can certainly explore other options after school and in order to know his interest, he needs to explore the diversity that is there to explore. It could be being part of a school band or a drama club. Once the child discovers his area of interest, he would be able to work towards excelling in it.

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#3. Such school programs help in building the self-esteem of kids as the setting provides a perfect atmosphere to interact and learn.
#4. Such programs look good on a student's college application and give a wider perspective of what the applicant did during school days.
We sincerely hope that the article gave ample reasons for you to consider sending your kid to after school program and if you have a difficult child who hates the very idea of going to school, then read this.
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