After school activities for children

The after-school routine is in constant need of a tune-up. Making sure kids not only stay busy until dinner but stay busy with activities that are both engaging and rewarding.

Some families have it figured out and use this time for children to either try something new or jump back into something that has long been forgotten.

Either way, past success is not an indicator of future results! You may have had success in this area and just need a kickstart. Or, if you’ve yet to master the after-school activity schedule, the following list could be a much-needed catalyst.

From entertainment to education, you’d be surprised just how much kids can enjoy and accomplish with a few hours each day.

Long before their inevitable transition into the world of work, it’s vital that children develop an understanding of giving a little back to the community that raised them, in a manner of speaking. Whether it’s compiling hampers for the homeless, spending time with the elderly, or simply volunteering for community service. We know that going that extra mile beyond the school walls can nurture social skills and help the young’uns develop a sense of discipline.

If interested, you can Google search to locate programs near you, and the best thing about volunteering is that often these programs are always on the hunt for new recruits. Identifying which scheme best suits your children is something only you can decide. Of course, it’s no secret that those kids who participate in volunteering projects from an early age is super beneficial for them in the future. And just think of how those skills of self-motivation and discipline will help their development in the future.

Mention the word ‘library’ to your nearest and dearest and you’ll likely be treated to a chorus of moans, groans and the odd, sarcastic yawn. But such sanctuaries of learning and knowledge needn’t be viewed in a negative light.

Taking children to the library is the perfect opportunity for them to pick something they will enjoy reading, and you can help them too! Settle down for a classic story. Great, especially if there was no time in the day for story time at school. A library is a place to foster a sense of curiosity and wonder in child and parent/guardian alike. This brings us to the next activity.

This particular after-school activity will naturally appeal more to those parents and guardians looking after older children and teenagers. However, the inherent value of a book club cannot be overstated.

It doesn’t have to be anything too extravagant. Either; simply draw up a family plan – using our magnetic whiteboard – that encourages each member to indulge in a novel (fiction or non-fiction) over the course of 30 days. Then, before everyone gets the chance to reconvene at the end of the month to share their thoughts, comments, and concerns regarding ‘Book X’.

For the parent, it’s an opportunity to venture into a literary genre that they perhaps would’ve ignored in the past, while also allowing their child to develop an appetite for literature. Like our book collection of 20 books, perfect to keep you and your kids going. And you know what they say about reading; it is to the mind what exercise is to the body.

On a budget? Get creative! Most times rallying together the troops for an impromptu board game night can produce a memorable night of family shenanigans. Granted, it’s not so much an after-school activity as it is a cheap night in. However, gathering everyone together for a bright and breezy board game allows families to spend time as a unit. Check out our fun board games packs with a range of games for you to all choose from.

Selecting one with minimal rules is preferable, and a family-friendly board game is a great and inexpensive way to entertain the kids. And it doesn’t involve them being glued to a nearby screen. From the modern and quirky board games like ‘Would I Lie to You?’, or a time-honoured classic in the vein of ‘Trivial Pursuit’, the possibilities are endless.

Housekeeping

If all else fails, find fun in the ordinary. And we do mean ordinary. Performing daily chores is a cross we all have to bear at some point — be it washing the dishes, cleaning up or hoovering. But it doesn’t all have to be doom and gloom; nor does it have to fall on the shoulders of a single family member.

Our advice? Pick up a whiteboard as a way to delegate responsibilities between the entire family, which results in everyone pulling their weight. Running a house ought to be viewed as a team effort. It should be one that allows kids big and small to pitch in and help. They could perhaps earn some pocket money while doing so. You can even use our reward chart to give them something to work towards too. It all circles back to that core philosophy of teaching children that even beyond the school walls, hard work is rewarded.

With after-school time, try and get kids to take advantage of the new opportunity that awaits! Encourage them to try something new. And if needed, dive deeper into a school topic if a certain area is now proving to be a challenge.

Whether it’s through one of the after-school activities above, or something entirely different, try to embrace the scenario presented and push yourself and your kids to come out better, stronger, or smarter on the other side!

Let us know how you get on! Send us your pictures or tag us on Instagram.