After School Ideas for Teachers and Daycare
Planning after school activities long term is a challenge. When older children enter a daycare in the afternoon it is time to change gears and accommodate all age groups. Both private and public daycare and after school programs have to cater to a variety of ages.
Homework Help
Children that arrive for after school care will have homework most of the time. The teacher will double as a care provider and a tutor when helping with homework. This helps the children get their homework done and saves time at home so they can spend quality time with their parents. Keep younger children busy with a quiet game or activity so the older children have a quiet place to do their homework. Some of the older children can help the younger children with homework too.
Interactive Games and Activities
Provide games for all ages. Some games will need to be split for the different age groups and some games can be played together. Having games that can be played indoors and outdoors is wise to accommodate when weather is good and bad. Interactive games involve all the children that are playing. Examples: tag, singing, board games. Interactive games allow children to interact and socialize.
Making Their Own Snack
When children are done with school it has been several hours since they ate their lunch and they are hungry. Providing food that they can prepare themselves teaches them food prep skills. Children that have a hand in the preparation of the food are more likely to eat the food. Keep the preparation age appropriate so there are no injuries. Example: Celery with cream cheese and raisins... ants on a log, is an easy snack to make .
Art and Crafts
Children enjoy arts and crafts. These are especially fun around different holidays. There are many patterns and ideas online to have children do. They can bring home a finished project to surprise their parents. Provide the tools, supplies and instructions for the craft and let the children work their magic and creativity.
