Developmental After School Programs
by: KimandCharlesPetty |
Total views: 3 |
Word Count: 425 |
View PDF | Print View
Share This Article
As a child grows into an adult, different aspects of his physical, emotional and mental self needs development. To help a child reach his full potential, it is necessary to recognize the child's developmental needs and abilities. To be effective, after school programs should assist children with tasks they must accomplish during each stage of development.
A child's growth curve can be divided into three main parts: 1) Young child (ages 3-5) 2) Middle school (ages 6-8) 3) Older school (ages 9-12)
The four important domains of development are: The Physical Domain, the Social Domain, the Emotional Domain and the Intellectual Domain. Each of these domains needs to be separately addressed during the various phases of a child's growth. After school programs should concentrate on developing each domain as applicable to the age of the child. Although the children participating in these programs may have similar developmental needs and age, do not expect development to be uniform. Children will develop as and when they are ready.
Physical Domain: When children are young, they want to perfect skills that they have just learnt to control. A variety of movements such as jumping, catching and throwing delight them. The middle school child, on the other hand, wants to learn more complex skills and get involved in team sports. This is also the best time to learn about rules and discipline in sport. The older school child is ready for more adult-like activities that need greater structure and discipline, like dancing, gymnastics, music classes etc.
Social Domain: Young children are observing others and will be interested in games where they play the roles of family members. They develop short-term friendships and need an adult's presence to assure them. The middle school child is intrigued by society and will love trips to factories, public buildings etc. They want to know the 'how' and 'why' of things. The older school child is ready to learn about different cultures, food and customs. They want to do some amount of social work too.
Intellectual Domain: Young school children will practice what they are learning. Middle school children want to learn more skills and will show interest in reading, drama and problem solving. The older school children are ready to research and probe. They enjoy getting a puzzle and pondering over it.
Any after school program needs to address the interests of the child depending on the category he belongs to. Knowing the children in your program and appreciating their needs and interests will help staff to plan and structure programs that are most useful to that group.
Share This Article
Rating: Not yet rated Next Article - Boring After School Activities and Previous Article - After School Activities and Burnout
About the Author
Kim and Charles Petty,experts in Real Estate Market. For FREE Special Report and CD and to set up strategy session on how you can make Six or Seven Figures A Year Buying and Selling Propertiesacross the USA & overseas go to VirtualRealEstateInvestingPRofits or call 1-800-311-9228
Comments
No comments posted.Add Comment
Popular Articles about: Education
1: How Cartoons Can Be A Positive Influence In The Schools2: Aspects To Seek In Custom Essay Writing Services
3: Homeschooling the Charlotte Mason Way
4: Times Tables, the Key to Your Child’s Success?
5: 5 Things To Consider When Thinking Of Changing Your Career Path
6: Teaching Children To Speak Spanish Will Not Hurt Their English
7: Associate Degree Online
8: Criminal Justice Programs At Ashworth University
9: Topics on Science & Health: Articles That Could Contribute To You
10: Considering A College? Consider Becker
11: Accredited Distance Learning Programs
12: Online Nursing Degrees: RN to BSN
13: Why More and More University Graduates are Attending College
14: Online Degrees From The Comfort Of Home
15: What Is An Online Medical Transcription School?
16: Educational Software Helps Kids Catch Up
17: Computer Games And Kids: Is It Ok?
18: Using A Texas Zip Code Map in the Classroom
19: Nlp Training & You - Discussing The Benefits
20: What Do You Know About a George Washington Education?
21: How to Attract More Money
22: Focus Changing
23: What About the New Apple Iphone
24: Steps to Finding Education Classes Online
25: Egyptians and the sun
26: The Advent of Pyramidology
27: Why Children Should Read Classic Books
28: Do Learn To Speak Spanish CDs Work
29: When should you start piano lessons for children?
30: College Admissions Guide to Not Panicking