ERIC Number: EJ1118554
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2016
Pages: N/A
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0145-9635
EISSN: N/A
The Transformative Potential of the Hours after School: Finding Purpose through Play
Neiva, Betsy MacIver
Independent School, v76 n1 Fall 2016
Through play-centered opportunities for discovery and exploration, a child can uncover his or her interests, talents, and authentic self, and the dividend may ultimately prove to be life-defining. If engaging in purposeful play is among the most effective means through which children identify the all-consuming activities that bring them joy, and if one of these activities later becomes the foundation upon which a satisfying career is based, then it makes sense that parents would want to expose their children to as many fun, play-oriented activities as possible. For working parents, however, finding the time to expose their children to numerous flow-focused activities is not quite as simple. What can working parents do to ensure their children will be exposed to an enticing array of enriching opportunities? After interviewing 42 after-school directors at independent schools nationwide and researching more than 100 after-school programs, the author and her former colleague, Diane Pepe, found that the best way for parents to ensure that their children would be exposed to a broad range of engaging, play-focused activities potentially leading to a state of flow was to enroll them in high-quality after-school programming. This article describes what high-quality, flow-focused after-school programming look like. Based on the research conducted by the author and her colleague, it typically is divided into two parts: (1) a theme-based, mission-driven core program running from dismissal to pick-up; and (2) an after-school clubs program featuring a broad spectrum of activities. In addition to the core and clubs programs, the high-quality after-school programs examined also feature three other key components: (1) a dedicated and enthusiastic staff of well-trained individuals who adore children; (2) in-depth and consistent systems for effective communication with all constituencies (parents, children, teachers, etc.); and (3) a supportive school community that understands and reinforces the after-school program's purpose and priorities. [Online Feature]
Descriptors: After School Education, After School Programs, Play, Learning Activities, Interviews, Administrator Surveys, Needs Assessment, Clubs, Staff Role, Parent Participation, School Support, Program Descriptions, Educational Quality
National Association of Independent Schools. 1620 L Street NW Suite 1100, Washington, DC 20036. Tel: 800-793-6701; Tel: 202-973-9700; Fax: 202-973-9790; Web site: http://www.nais.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Elementary Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Pennsylvania (Philadelphia)
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A