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After school activities are the rage of the day but the importance of an appropriate daycare curriculum to structure these activities shouldn't be underestimated. With about $500 million invested in these programs and more than 10 million children attending them in America alone, the popularity of these activities cannot be overlooked. Everyone understands the need to develop new skills, gain more knowledge and keep the children safe when parents are working.

Healthy relationships between the children attending the after school and the adults running the program are key to success. Adults running these programs are in the unique position of being neither parent nor teacher thus opening up possible channels of communication between adult and child that might not exist in the other environments. These kids are growing and changing and this type of positive emotional interaction is vital in helping them deal with personal issues.

Direct contact with professionals can be an inspiring experience for children and can have a very positive impact on them. Their wisdom, insight and experience will doubtless impress the children. Young people gain a lot of knowledge and experience when they deal with experienced adults and older youth who serve as teachers or mentors in these programs. Their unique position enables them to build the kind of relationships that will result in the kids drawing inspiration from their mentors.

After school activities that are managed professionally by people who are successful in their own fields of expertise will produce children who are more enthusiastic and successful. Meaningful interaction with adults is a learning experience in itself. Most after school activities can be broadly classified into three - recreational, educational and society-oriented. The last bit usually comes in when the child is already a bit grown up and can voice his own interests.

Increasing the knowledge of the child is targeted through educational activities. Different techniques are used to improve memory, general understanding and awareness. Examples of educational after school activities include intensive memory training programs and speed maths. Many subjects can be covered to improve the child's general knowledge in addition to help with homework and reiteration of class work. Educational activities would seem to have the edge if you wish your child to achieve academically or if they simply need a little extra help.

Fine arts, sports, physical games, board games etc and painting are included in recreational activities. The main thrust here is to have fun. Inevitably a competitive element will appear as children become more proficient. Many sport events, competitions, stage performances etc are held to encourage the child.

Recreational programs often appear to offer more in terms of a holistic approach to the child's development. Children need to be excited and curious about something in order to learn effectively and enjoy that learning process. A lack of flexibility in academic activity based programs can be a problem. These courses tend to be very well structured and rich in content. However, a child who has already spent a day at school may have issues with concentration. Frustration may occur when faced with further study. Overexposing a child to educational activities may cause him to switch off.

Recreational programs provide a welcome break from the monotony of learning and studies. The mental challenge and the physical exertion make the child feel a renewed zest and a pleasant sense of fulfillment. Group activity teaches him social skills, discipline and patience. It is a proven fact that children involved in extra curricular activities get better grades than others. Sometimes closing the textbooks and playing a game may be the best way to handle your studies.

Consistent, thorough evaluation is vital regardless what after school program you choose for your day care. Constant gauging of the children's development is necessary. Your daycare curriculum may need modification if progress is not satisfactory. Also, children should be empowered to choose and discard activities as suits their interest levels. The perfect daycare curriculum combines a balance of both recreational and academic so that children are challenged at every level. Never underestimate the effectiveness of fun when dealing with kids.