Technology & Curriculum

Before and after school programs do not usually have specific, planned curriculum. Instead they focus on support, in the form of child-directed, child-centered activities. A great deal of learning takes place during arts, games, and sports that enriches children's out-of-school hours.

Programs have the opportunity to provide additional enrichment activities that children can join, which promote basic skills and higher-level thinking. Clubs and activities, such as chess, photography, and hands-on math, may encourage children to focus and develop special interests. Children also have opportunities for leadership and development of social skills in these situations.

In addition to being a time for developing talents and hobbies, it is a time for children to receive academic support outside of the school day. Adults or older children may be available to explain homework problems in an alternate way that helps children to understand, and feel competent in what they are doing.

It is important to provide a balance of structured and informal learning, and both enrichment activities and academic help. This setting allows students to learn in depth about topics of interest to them, and to produce work, such as multimedia reports or polished-looking printed pages, that they may not have the opportunity to do during class time. Just as during the school day, technology is best used in meaningful students to be creative and to pursue areas that interest them.