PROGRAMMING TIPS FOR SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN
National Network for Child Care's Connections Newsletter
Jackie Reilly, M.S.
Youth Development Specialist
University of Nevada
Copyright/Access Information
Working with school-age children brings its own special challenges
and joys. School-age children in after school programs need the
following:
Meeting these needs can be quite a challenge for caregivers to accomplish in the typical two to three hours per day that school-aged children are with us - especially if they need to get homework done during that time too!
Some activities and projects that we do with the children can meet several of the above needs at the same time. Following are four examples:
PLAN A SNACK: Let children know how much money can be spent on a snack and which food groups (for example - protein, fruit or vegetable, and a bread) must be included in the snack menu. Then, let them do the rest of the planning. If possible, even let them do the shopping. They can do the preparation as well. This activity allows school-age children to make choices, and to be self-directed in an important aspect of their daily routine.
PLANT A SALAD: School-age children can "plant a salad." They can be responsible for the whole project - getting the soil ready, deciding what to plant, watering, weeding, harvesting, preparing, and eating their "project." This long-term project requires cooperation and commitment by those who choose to participate. Be sure to look for plant varieties (lettuce, carrots, tomatoes) that mature quickly.
HAVE A READING AND WRITING CORNER: Provide an area with writing materials. It can be as simple as a corner with books and magazines, along with a box of pens, pencils, paper, poster board, fasteners, tape, crayons, and markers. Or, if you have a computer available, the corner could also include a word processing system and printer. When school-age children do not want to participate in large group activities, or during other free times, they can sit and read or write their own story. The story could be shared with others or not - it's up to the author. Reading and writing are valuable activities for school-age children. These activities allow for relaxation, quiet time, self-direction, and again, choices.
PLAY COOPERATIVE MUSICAL CHAIRS: This game takes a bit of "getting used to," but it can be even more fun than the traditional version. Set-up chairs in a circle facing out. Have one less chair than the number of players, just as in the traditional version. Start the music. All players walk around the circle of chairs until the music stops. When the music stops, everyone must find a place to sit - either two to a chair or on one another's laps. Continue the process, removing a chair each time, until there is only one chair left and all are sitting on it (and each other's laps). As it gets more difficult to find a place to sit, players must be increasingly cooperative. There is no "winner" as in the traditional or competitive version. There are many cooperative sports, games, and activities for school-age children. *The Cooperative Sports and Games Book* by Terry Orlick, and *The New Games Book: Play Fair, Nobody Hurt* by A. Fluegelman, are two titles you might look for at your local library or bookstore.
Consider these four general tips as you plan your school-age program:
1. Have a variety of activities and involvements from which to choose each day.
2. Balance planned activities with free time. School-age children can become bored if their days become too routine.
3. Include the school-age children's ideas as you develop your program. In addition, let them decide where to go on field trips, what to watch (within limits) on movie day, and what skit to perform at the annual variety show. You could also reverse roles on occasion and let the children be the group leaders, and let the leaders take the role of the children.
4. Be flexible! If a teachable moment or a silly, fun moment arises, take advantage of it. Have fun with the children. Participate with them in their activities and projects.
Well-planned programming with school-age children's needs in mind will pay off. All of you will have fun and learn together.
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