After school programs and discipline

How important is discipline when it comes to after school programs? Since

most of the activities are recreational, does a program have to adhere to

strict rules? Discipline is just as important here as it is in

activities that pertain to the school. The child is sent to a program

because you want him to learn more. Discipline in one form or the other is

necessary to facilitate learning.

Every program should begin by laying down the rules. The supervisor or

teacher should explain each rule and can thus prevent future mishaps.

Misbehavior should be addressed as and when it occurs. Deal with the

problem in such a manner that it causes the least disruption. It is unwise

to turn a blind eye to misbehavior because it catches on like fire, and

soon you will have a bunch of unruly children on your hands. Besides,

however much they resist it, children like to operate within the safety

net of strict guidelines and rules.

When a child misbehaves, it is mostly due to a craving for attention. A

supervisor should observe the children and find out what the child wants.

Talk to the child so that you can understand what he or she wants.

Appropriate disciplinary measures should be taken if there are no apparent

reasons for bad behavior.

Potentials of after school programs

With children becoming the primary focus of society, ways and means to

ensure their safety and development are being researched. The Government

too has pooled in to make a success of such programs. Here are some of the

reasons why after school programs have become so popular:

1) Preventing Juvenile Delinquency, crime and violent victimization:

About 10% of juvenile crimes happen between 3 P.M. - 4 P.M. Children need

to be kept safe and out of trouble at such times

2) Preventing alcohol, drug and tobacco use.

Risk-taking behavior that seeks to establish superiority in a clan is

mostly seen in 'latchkey' children. Children in their pre-teens, if they

have a meaningful relationship with a mentor, are less likely to indulge

in these kinds of destructive behavior

3) Decreases appetite for Television:

An average child watches about 23 hours of TV per week. When enrolled for

some activity, the child utilizes his mental and physical skills to meet

challenges.

4) Improving academic achievements

5) Improving school attendance:

More confidence in self and increased interest in school leads to greater

attendance in school. A program that helps children with their homework

also gives the child a much-needed feeling of self-achievement.

6) Improved behavior and inter-personal skills

Children who attend after school activities handle conflict better and

cooperate more with authority figures.

7) Closer family and community ties.

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