After school programs can be divided into 3 broad categories: academic,
recreational and social. Balanced development takes place when there isachievements of the Childs's the name suggests recreational after schoolprograms are based on a sport or recreation. Some of the more commonphysical activities include football, swimming and basketball. Some clubsoffer programs like gymnastics, trekking and hiking. In this case,Recreational after school programs offer children an opportunity to letoff some steam and to destress themselves. The closed classroom atmosphereand a day full of textbooks and writing cause the child to repress hisnatural enthusiasm. He curbs his energy when he is required to sit quietlyin class and learn. Physical activity is an all-time low during suchtimes. This physical lethargy and inaction is countermanded bymake it necessary for children to indulge in some strenuous exercises thatwill allow them to work up some sweat.Unlike educational programs, recreational programs do not tax themental processes. But, they do aid the learning process by making theis able to focus his thoughts on the work at hand. Additionally,recreational programs teach discipline, mechanics of teamwork and fairplay. These are important lessons in the growing process.As more and more nuclear families emerge, the child faces greaterisolation. Many children shuttle between their classroom and theirbedrooms and do not have any meaningful relationships outside these.Recreational programs offer ample avenues for socialization. This is aplace the child can go to and play even when his neighbor is not the mostwelcoming. The Boy / Girl Scout programs are excellent recreational aftercombine important survival skills with sports and games to educatechildren on how to handle emergencies.Like any good after school program, recreational programs are designed togive children a safe area where they can indulge in some group activitiesthat interest them. This is one of the most effective ways to keep kidsout of the streets and out of trouble. But, one has to be careful whenenrolling children for recreational classes.
The age of the child, histemperament and his physical caliber has to be taken into account beforeyou choose the right program for your child.





