Instead of sitting in front of a television or computer, or worse yet, hanging out at the mall, kids can use their time after classes let out to learn new skills. As a parent, your job is to make sure they have fun while they do it. Many school boards have cut back on extra-curricular activities and many families can’t afford the cost of private instruction, but you don’t have to spend big bucks to keep the kids busy. In this article, we’ll discuss some entertaining and economical afterschool activities.
Kick the Can is a classic game that gets kids moving while they have fun. Since so many schools are being forced to cut back on sports programs, it’s especially important that parents reinforce the importance of physical fitness. To play Kick The Can, you’ll need at least three players and a large, empty tin can like a spaghetti sauce can. Have all the players stand in line and choose one person to be “it.” Another player kicks the can as far as possible. While “it” retrieves the can, everyone else hides. “It” lays the can on the starting line and hunts for other players. Players may change hiding places at any time. When “it” finds a player, he or she calls out the name and location of the player and that person then becomes “it”. There are many variations of this game, so feel free to get creative with this and other afterschool activities.
Kids crafts, activity books and coloring pages are always fail proof activities, especially for younger children. To keep the older kids on schedule, have them make calendar bookmarks. You’ll need an old calendar, a glue stick, some cardboard or construction paper, a hole punch, and some bright ribbon or string. Cut the calendar into weekly segments and use a glue stick to stick the pieces to strips of colorful paper. Use the hole punch to make a hole on one end and loop a length of ribbon or string through it. Using a fine tip marker, the kids can write their favorite activities in the boxes that correspond to the day they do them. For example, Monday – gym class, Tuesday – piano lessons and so on. They can decorate their bookmarks with pictures and stickers too.
Kids usually have the munchies when they get home from school, so teach them to eat healthy by getting them busy in the kitchen. Nachos are a fun-to-make, kid-friendly snack; you can even make them for dinner! Brown some ground beef, drain the fat, and add some mild taco sauce or salsa. For a vegetarian version, substitute black beans for the ground beef. On a pizza pan, layer some baked, whole grain tortilla chips with the meat and some grated cheese. Put it in the oven until the cheese melts. Serve the nachos with some low fat sour cream, chopped tomatoes, shredded lettuce, re-fried beans and diced red or green peppers. Preparing this simple, yummy snack will teach kids the importance of incorporating the four food groups into their diet, show them how to follow a recipe, and introduce them to measurements. As a bonus, the kids will be eating a serving of fresh veggies without even knowing it!
If you’re not available to supervise your child’s projects after classes let out, then make up a list of things to do for their caregiver and provide a bag of supplies. If you opt for an after school club, make sure it involves physical activities that will benefit your child. Afterschool activities can play an important role in a child’s development, so make sure they have fun and use the time wisely.
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