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The part of the day when children get out of school can be very disruptive not only to parents but also to the children. From writing homework and opting for extra-co-curricular activities to undertaking domestic chores and socialising, it seems very hard to achieve all of them without stress. However, a well coordinated and structured after school timetable for kids goes along way in helping children go through this stage easily while at the same time developing a good working from school and back home.
In this article, I will show you an easy and effective after school schedule for kids of different ages, and how to make these hours as non-stressful for your child as possible. If you are having a hard time making time for homework, play or even family time, this will be of helpful to note down in the schedule as a after school plan for children.
Children thrive on routines. It gives them some sense of predictability and control, which is really important after the stimulating environment of school. Hours between school and bedtime are important for mental and emotional health since that is the time for kids to unwind and take time for themselves, do what they want, and get ready for the next day.
Being stress free after a school schedule doesn’t mean a strict routine, but a comfortable, flexible mode – one that allows you to be productive in every way possible. Children of all ages can transition more easily from the school day to home life by balancing key activities, including homework, physical exercise, meals and free time.
A simple after school routine is an attempt to provide structure but not rigidity. Here’s a sample template that can be tailored to your child’s specific needs:
Arrival Home & Snack Time: 2 - 3:00 PM
Time to decompress is the first thing children need when they come home. A healthy snack doesn’t just refuels them after a long day, it gives them a chance to relax and settle in for a more comfortable environment. Make this a debt free period for kids to reset their mind.
Homework/Study Time: 3 - 4:00 PM
Just as with their snack, time after is a great opportunity for them to focus on school work, especially school aged children, as their traction mind is more likely in an academic mode. So it’s best to create a space for them to focus, a quiet room and free of distractions. If the kids also don’t have homework, they can use this time to be quiet and to play or to read, building on foundational skills.
Outdoor Play/Physical Activity: 4– 5:00 PM
No matter what age, children need to do physical activity. Kids don’t spend their day in classrooms, then sit until bedtime. Going out for a walk and sports are good ways of burning off energy, as well as keeping fit. For teens, they may go to an older kids scheduled practice or gym and for littles, they can play outdoor games or free play.
Creative or Free Time: 5- 6:00 PM
When children are done with their physical activity, they need time to keep up their hobbies or do creative things. This could take the form of actually drawing, creating with blocks, or playing a musical instrument or just playing alone with their favourite toy or book. Free time given to children allows for them to be independent, creative and relaxed because they are important parts of development.
Dinner & Family Time 6– 7:00 PM
Family bonding takes place best during the dinnertime. It gives us a time to be together, tell our stories, see each other and spend time with each other. It helps children to feel stable and comfortable because he does it regularly. Let this time be a conversation time, encourage conversations and make this time screen free to fully engage with as a family.
Wind Down Routine: 7– 8:00 PM
A wind down routine in the evening encourages kids to get the wind up both physically and mentally, as the day comes to an end. It may be simply a bath, or reading a book, or anything else that’s relaxing and involving the family, like a board game. When you maintain this routine consistently every night, you’re sending children a signal that it’s time to do something else besides being awake.
Bedtime (or Earlier for Younger Kids),
As long as you maintain a consistent bedtime, kiddies will get the rest they require to be geared up and energised for tomorrow. For younger children it’s okay to have an earlier bedtime, and with older children you could begin to implement sleep at this time. To prevent any sleep disturbances screens should be turned off at least 30 minutes prior to bed time.
As a matter of fact, every child is different and has different after school needs on the basis of their age, interest and personality. Here’s how you can adjust the above template for different age groups:
For Preschoolers (Ages 3-5):
There’s no preschool homework, but preschoolers do need a lot of play and rest. If taking the place of study time, then do creative activities or educational play instead, and keep the physical activity and wind down time simple and fun.
For Elementary Schoolers (Ages 6-10):
Between elementary school and high school, the homework time may need to be more structured but you must balance that with plenty of outdoor play. With an earlier bedtime, encourage creativity via hands on projects, puzzles or art.
For Middle Schoolers (Ages 11-13):
Homework, plus extra obligations in middle schoolers, may also be an issue. They should allow for them to change the study time as needed, but promote healthy amounts of physical activity and creative outlets.
For High Schoolers (Ages 14-18):
The high school students have additional responsibilities outside of their school, on top of school hours. They can continue to maintain the basic framework but have a little more control about their schedules. It helps them to prioritise time management so they are not feeling overwhelmed.
Be Flexible:
So, the schedule might have to be adjusted from time to time however it doesn’t always work that way. Having your core routine, but allow some level of spontaneity.
Incorporate Downtime:
Like adults, children do need time to relax and recharge. Unstructured Downtime incorporates so that they feel less pressure and more at ease…
Encourage Responsibility:
Set up your own after school routine with children. People are much more likely to follow their schedule when they feel they have ownership of it.
Stay Organised:
Put them in a calendar or planner to keep them organised, knowing what they have to do each day and so do you, because now the responsibilities are two.
A balance of productivity and stress free after school schedule is not limited to productivity only. An easy after school routine, with time to work, play and relax, will make children’s transition from school to home life easily. If adapted to fit different age groups, this routine provides both a helpful training in time management skills and downtime that children need. If you can plan and show flexibility, your after school hours can be a time of joy and peace for the entire family.
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Muniba is an accomplished English and Personality Development Educator with a strong foundation in leadership communication. Throughout her 3 years of experience, she has honed her skills in classroom management, lesson planning, department management, and conflict resolution. Her true passion lies in working with young learners, where she is committed to their holistic development - academic, social, language, and motor - in a positive and enjoyable environment. Muniba strives to create a community of learners that cultivates growth and nurtures each child's unique potential. Her expertise and dedication make her a valuable asset to any educational institution.
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