After-school, or extended-day, programs reinforce what children learn in the classroom. They also provide a safe place for children whose parents work. After-school programs have a lot to offer students: tutoring, enrichment and socialization. Unfortunately, some students may see these programs as an extension of an already-boring school curriculum. It need not be this way. Armed with a plan, consistency and a few proven program-development suggestions, program managers can motivate, rather than force students to participate.
Step 1
Invite community members to help with your after-school program. Ask parents, teachers, volunteers, literacy professionals and members of your school's PTA to serve on a development committee. Ask the committee to come up with a plan for an after-school program that focuses on academic achievement while engaging young people in a fun, interactive and interesting program. Give the program a name and include plans for volunteer recruitment and training, a method for evaluating student achievement and promotional materials to to let parents, students and others know about the program.
Step 2
Secure a permanent place in the school for your after-school program. Allow student participants to make the place their own. Provide a bulletin board for posting photos and give them materials to make a sign for their program. If possible, allow them to decorate the space with items they create. Ask students to take turns volunteering to tidy up and keep the area organized.
Step 3
Ask parents and committees to write grant requests and talk to businesses about donations for materials and other expenses. Some schools may be able to use Title I funds if their students meet eligibility requirements.
Step 4
Provide nutritional snacks to your after-school participants. Young people are usually hungry after the school day ends. If they are to remain after school, they will need snacks. The National School Lunch Program and the Child and Adult Care Food Program provide reimbursement for snacks in after-school programs that meet eligibility requirements.
Step 5
Develop plans for tutoring students that meet their needs and are designed to produce results. Meet with teachers to discuss referrals to the after-school program and agree to work with students on specific areas of weakness. Help students catch up on their work, complete homework and study for exams. Ask new participants to write out their goals.
Step 6
Recruit volunteers. Secure enough to provide one-on-one attention for most students and serve as group leaders. Invite parents to volunteer and serve on the program committee.
Step 7
Allow students to participate in planning and running the program. Give the students jobs or responsibilities and train some students to serve as peer tutors. Let all of the students know that their contributions are important. Greet students when they arrive and maintain a positive atmosphere.
Step 8
Include activities that students can participate in after they have finished homework or study time. Plan special events. Have cram sessions for the ends of grade testing, invite all students to attend and ask your students to help host the event. Assign a couple of volunteers to lead an accelerated learning group where students can choose what to explore each day. Let students know that the after-school program is a place where they learn, have fun and have interesting and challenging experiences.
Step 9
Have an end-of-the-school-year event for your student participants and volunteers. Single out students who made exceptional academic achievement and allow participants to celebrate their experiences in the program. This helps students identify with the program and encourages them to come back next school year and bring a friend. Have a kick-off event at the start of the new school year. Ask returning students to help tutor new students.
Step 10
Communicate consistently with school administration, teachers, parents, community partners and student participants. If the school has a newsletter, contribute articles about the after-school program. Provide reports to let interested parties know how the program and the students are doing.
Things You'll Need
- Promotional materials
- After-school space
- Art materials
- School supplies
- Snacks
