7 Tricks to Engage Students in After-School Programs (Finding success with the tired and restless!)
After-school leaders and teachers have a hard job! They are working with elementary-age children who are tired and ready to let go, and yet they have to help those students learn, focus, and behave. How do they engage these students? Here are some tricks…
Have Fun: This may seem basic, but it is often overlooked. The more enjoyable the experience is for kids, the more likely they’ll be fully engaged and agreeable to learning and behaving. In most cases, students already regard after-school programs as a more relaxed environment than the school day, so don’t fight it. Instead, lean into it and include some silliness and levity in all programs, especially those with an academic focus.
Movement Breaks: Incorporate short movement throughout the afternoon. Those little bodies have been sitting still far more than they are meant to do. This behavior is frequently manifested as restlessness, yet it can also exhibit as a deficiency in self-control, challenges with emotional regulation, and difficulties in maintaining focus. Simple exercises, stretches, or quick physical activity can help re-energize their bodies and minds.
Hands-On Activities: Introduce hands-on activities that involve manipulation or interaction. Whether it’s an experiment, a game, building robots, or doing a craft, engaging kids in tangible tasks can help keep their minds active and alleviate tiredness. A bit of a challenge is better than something easy to keep focus and engagement. However, frustration tolerance can be rather low during this part of the day so avoid tasks that might be especially challenging.
Multi-Sensory Learning: Appeal to multiple senses during the lesson. Use visuals, props, or interactive materials to make the learning experience more sensory-rich. This approach can help capture students’ attention and make the content more memorable. Every child learns differently, but they all learn less efficiently when they are tired. It’s necessary to deliver lessons in many forms to cover all those differences to compensate for this slow-down.
Short & Varied: Break the lesson into shorter, varied tasks to prevent monotony. Switching between different types of activities or subjects can help maintain interest and prevent kids from feeling overwhelmed or fatigued. Sprinkle in those movement breaks to make this even more effectual.
Listen: Encourage feedback from students and really listen to their thoughts and questions. This not only stimulates participation but also helps you gauge when it’s time for a short break or a change in activity. You may have to actively pursue feedback from some more withdrawn students to assess their understanding and energy levels.
Positive Reinforcement: Praise their efforts, acknowledge their achievements, and create a positive learning environment. Encouragement can help counteract feelings of fatigue, boost motivation, and keep kids focused on the task at hand. Plus, who doesn’t love some appreciation when they’re trying hard?
Perhaps the greatest lesson is to be flexible and responsive to the needs of the students. Be prepared to adapt by incorporating these tricks as needed and you will be able to create a more dynamic, engaging, and enjoyable experience.
These tips have been culled together from Brooklyn Robot Foundry’s experience running STEAM after-school programs for K-8th graders since 2011. The Foundry’s teachers shared these ideas, which are just a sampling of the strategies they employ to keep students engaged and happy. The Foundry’s teachers receive comprehensive training in working with children, including those on the spectrum or facing learning challenges, and actively collaborate to continuously enhance their knowledge base.
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