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Students wearing protective clothing learn fencing in Tessa Afterschool class.

A List of The Best Afterschool Enrichment Activities

The purpose of Afterschool enrichment is to provide extended learning opportunities to students. It encourages learners to take a more in-depth look at concepts by researching further, approaching them from different perspectives, and connecting subjects to meaningful facets of the real world. Enrichment also provides opportunities for students to pursue learning in their own areas of interest and strengths. Whatever the activity may involve, the notion or goal is typically the same – encouraging intrinsic curiosity and lifelong learning.

A native-speaking teacher instructs French afterschool enrichment classes to students.

“What can we do when students already know it? ” Afterschool enrichment programs can give the answer.

Examples of Enrichment Activities

While enrichment activities do not have to adhere to a specific curriculum, they should be purposeful and focused, as these elements are integral to a rewarding learning experience. Below is a list of popular enrichment activities that your child(ren) might love.

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)

Despite the growing attention given to STEM education, the 2018 National Survey revealed that students in grades K-3 received  an average of only 18 minutes of science instruction per day. STEM-centered enrichment activities, such as academic tutoring, field trips, math contests, and science fairs, support learners’ overall academic growth and develop their thinking and reasoning skills. 

At Tessa International School, in addition to a thorough Math and STEM instruction during school hours, the Science Club and Math Club foster a community among primary school students, engaging them in educational and enjoyable activities that inspire a lasting interest in STEM. 

Tessa students visited local sewerage authority for their STEM enrichment.

Tessa STEM Afterschool Program offers an enriching environment where children can explore the world of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.

Computer Science and Coding

Coding education in K-12 schools significantly increased over the past decade, with 19 states requiring all public primary schools to offer computer science by 2023. Teaching kids to code ensures they become technologically literate and well-prepared for our increasingly digital world. Activities such as LEGO classes and Minecraft Modding at Tessa also catalyze their interest in coding and provide beginners with insights into the field. 

Language Immersion

It is a well-known fact that children pick up languages more easily than adults due to their environmental and cognitive advantages. Teaching your child a second language at a young age can be both fun and easy, with numerous online and in-person resources readily accessible for you to help educate your bilingual learners. 

Tessaprep Language Classes, for example, offer a multi-sensory and highly interactive environment for students to master a new language and gain a deeper understanding of the multicultural world. 

Sports

Participating in youth sports can promote students’ physical wellness and encourage healthy psychosocial development. The keys to ensuring that children enjoy their sports experiences lie in your hands: first, by helping them choose the appropriate sport based on their abilities and interests; and second, by being a good role model for sportsmanship and commitment. 

Theater and Acting

For kids with a flair for dramatics, theater might just be the perfect fit. Acting in plays allows kids to hone in on several soft skills, including memorization, quick thinking, emotional expression, and the confidence to perform on stage. 

There are various entry points to performing arts, ranging from a DIY approach at home to in-person acting classes. At Tessa International School, afterschool activities such as Musical Theater Dance and Readers’ Theater Club provide students a platform to explore creative and artistic expression while enhancing language development and building confidence. Additionally, watching plays at local theaters and community centers also nurtures the talents of these young minds. 

Music

Whether learning a new instrument and joining the Choir or getting involved with digital music production and organizing their own music band, music is always a popular option of enrichment for students to unleash work pressure and realize creative potential they may have. From family concerts to school club performances, the stage for our children is unlimited. 

Afterschool Enrichment Activities at Tessa

At Tessa, a diverse array of Specials classes filled with enriching opportunities is incorporated into our rigorous curriculum, ensuring that students receive a well-rounded education. 

Beyond the school day, our students can participate in a wide spectrum of afterschool enrichment activities, ranging from artistic expression and athletic pursuits to STEM exploration – all thoughtfully designed to cater to students’ interests. A particular highlight is our language classes that are open to all members of the community. Under the guidance of native-speaking teachers with extensive teaching experience, students immerse themselves in new languages and cultures, enriching their global perspective and understanding.

 

Enrichment gives the student more time and space to explore the world and themselves in greater depth, breadth, and complexity. You can find many of these activities online and within your local community, and dedicating time to find the ideal options for your kids can accelerate their learning and improve their self-esteem. Ultimately, our goal during students’ enrichment time at Tessa is to prepare them to confidently step into the wider world, paving the way for a happy and fulfilling life.

 

Are you ready to enroll your child in one of the leading Hoboken private schools

Contact Tessa International School to learn more!

A girl is playing piano in Tessa Afterschool private lesson.

Values of Afterschool Programs

Learning doesn’t end when the school bell rings. Afterschool activities extend the support for students to participate in a safe and productive environment thereafter, alleviating parents’ stress of coordinating schedules. What exactly are the values of afterschool programs for our learners’ development, and how can parents pick the one right aligned with their children’s needs? 

Two students are playing chess in the Afterschool class.

How can we maximize students’ full potentials? Right Afterschool Programs can help you.

Benefits of Afterschool Classes

Afterschool programs are not just about filling the time between school and dinner. A large body of evidence exists confirming that quality afterschool programs help children in various fields. 

  • Academic support: A 2014 report from Afterschool Alliance found that regular participation in high-quality afterschool programs is linked to significant gains in math problem-solving and reading comprehension
  • Social and Emotional Learning: According to a 2010 meta-analysis on 75 reports evaluating 69 different programs, consistent enrichment activities in afterschool learning reduces students’ negative working habits, such as suspension, and increases engagement and attendance rate during normal school days. 
  • Work-Based Learning: Afterschool activities, such as scenario-based simulations and career-oriented clubs, give students insight into potential career paths, help them acquire practical skills, and foster higher educational and career aspirations. 
  • Youth Development: Researchers at the University of Chicago states that learning outside of school strengthens three key factors of success for young adults: agency, integrated identity, and competencies
Two students observe the chemical reaction in Afterschool STEM program.

Tessa International School’s Afterschool activities are designed to spark curiosity and ignite passions.

Qualities of Best Afterschool Programs

With the right afterschool programs, children can thrive both academically and personally. It is important to note that the best type of afterschool program for your child(ren)’s depends on their individual needs. Here are some other necessary qualities for an effective program to meet: 

  1. Safe and healthy facilities with rigorous health protocols. 
  2. A fun and enjoyable environment that fosters social, emotional, and educational development through engaging and developmentally appropriate activities. 
  3. Consistent schedules that provide a clear structure for both parents and children. 
  4. Responsive teachers and staff that are deeply invested in every child’s excellence. 
  5. Efforts toward diversity and inclusion to support positive learning experiences. 
Two students practice fencing in Afterschool class.

Involving your child in the decision-making process also encourages their independent thinking.

Afterschool Program at Tessa

From arts and sports to STEM and language exploration, Tessa International School offers a wide range of Afterschool Activities that suit various interests and talents. 

One important part of our Afterschool Programs differentiating us from other programs is our Language Classes. During the off-school time, we continue and extend the foreign language learning in a wider variety. Native speakers of Arabic, Spanish, French, Hebrew, Russian, and Mandarin provide enriching classes for beginners to advanced students in our community. We strive to provide a multi-sensory and highly interactive environment for students to learn the new language and the multicultural world they live in. 

A student is learning Russian in Tessa Afterschool language class.

Our Afterschool Programs are tailor-made to support growing young minds of a variety of ages and interests.

In addition to supplementing what they have learned in school, Afterschool programs provide valuable resources for students to explore how to manage their time productively. Choosing the right afterschool program can unlock your child’s full potential, setting them on a path to excellence and fulfillment. 

 

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Contact Tessa International School to learn more!

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Tessa International School

Office: (201) 755-5585 | Location: 720 Monroe St. Hoboken, NJ 07030