Sofia Granados (After School Programs)

After School Programs & Why They Matter 

Overview

           Based on a growing amount of evidence and studies that have been done, it's been found that after school programs have received a lot of positive attention. These after school programs have also had a significant impact on the dynamics of families and their children, as well as improved the relationship between student and teacher in the classroom. After school programs for the most part have managed to expand learning opportunities for the children who partake in them. Unfortunately, with the way the current presidency is, after school programs may be on the chopping block when it comes to defunding them. This would be devastating to hear for programs like Think Together, that are usually located in high poverty areas, thus making it a major social issue. 

Basic Information on After School Programs 

According to Youth Gov and their extensive research....

• In general, after school programs have the ability to improve a child's overall attendance record.
• Well thought out after school programs improve the behavior of a child.
• Active participation in after school programs reduce drug & alcohol use at a young age
• They model good habits for children, like eating much healthier and engaging in physical activity on a regular basis 
• Families feel at ease knowing that their child is in a safe place in the hands of good people while parents and/or guardians are working late 

Kaitlin Ceragioli

  

 "I think after school programs are important for children because it teaches them things that they don't usually get to learn in a normal school day. Some after school programs may even provide classes that enhance a child's creativity like gardening and cooking. Classes like this show kids that they have the ability to create things. This is what they offer at the school I work at. After school programs like this are important because it also teaches them to live sustainably and not depend on markets for fruits and vegetables" 

Now Let's Get More Specific....What is Think Together?

According to the Think Together website...

• It's an after school expanded learning program for K-8 students
• They are federally funded & partnered with schools all around the country
• Provide students with unique one on one homework help 
• They strive to keep children in a safe environment while parents/guardians are at work
• Their curriculum is focused on Math, STEM, Language Arts, English, Youth Development & Arts and Enrichment 
• They claim that it has successfully helped close the achievement gap by encouraging students to attend their regular school hours & has overall improved behavioral issues & interest in 
• Allows students to make new friends  

   

"A Day in the Life of a Think Together Student" video

Mai Dang 

    "I currently have 8 students attending our after school program called Think Together. These students not only receive extra help with their homework, but also benefit from the variety of engaging, fun, and structured co-curricular activities. Many of my students are identified as at risk and therefore have a safe place to be between the hours of 3pm-6pm"  

Karina Granados 

"Our after school program and it's leaders have a strong partnership and communication with our staff and principal. It is important to have continuity with what they are doing during the day. We as teachers don't always have enough time to dedicate to art and other extra-curricular activities. Some of my students get to do this in our after school program Think Together, therefore benefitting them tremendously" 

                                           

                                Personal Thoughts

Bringing the spotlight to after school programs was important to me because part of my job working at an elementary school is to run the daycare program. I am constantly surrounded by kids from ages 5-12 during after school hours, and my role as the teacher is to be engaging and assist them in any way that I can. My personal experience working in a school setting allows me to have a strong sense of responsibility for my students because I know that I'm an extension of their real teachers during the regular school day. In addition, I try to do my best to include fun art projects and to build a solid learning foundation with these kids, whether it's by playing challenging games or teaching them a new method to solve a math problem and so on. I've noticed that after school programs vary depending on the school, and I find that to be entirely true. For example, I work at a private school in Pasadena where their after school classes are activities like gardening and hip hop dance classes. I'm fully aware that private schools may offer a better variety of classes for students to take, unlike at public schools. After school programs may be designed differently, especially if the school caters to a low income neighborhood where 4th grade teachers Mrs. Dang and Mrs. Granados work. I've experienced both worlds first hand and although each type of after school program caters to a different demographic, they are each extremely beneficial for students to develop skills. Being that I love my job so much, I knew that after school programs was going to be my topic of interest when selecting a social issue. It is preparing me for a future career in education, regardless of the type of school setting.