Due to budget constraints, many schools have been forced to cut back on sports and arts programs, yet these are an important part of healthy child development. You can restore these important subjects to your child’s curriculum by incorporating them into their after school activities. Leagues and private instructors can cost a fortune, but you can come up with your own educational pursuits right at home for just a fraction of the cost. In this article, we’ll show you some great do-it-yourself projects that are so much fun that the kids won’t even know they’re learning a new skill.

Child obesity has reached epidemic proportions. After a day of creative activities and seat work at school, many kids simply go home and plop down in front of the television or computer. To get them up from their shows and video games, challenge kids with physical after school activities that are fun, like relay races, backyard t-ball games and even skateboarding.

Kick the Can is a classic game that gets kids moving while they have fun. Since so many schools are being forced to cut back on sports programs, it’s especially important that parents reinforce the importance of physical fitness. To play Kick The Can, you’ll need at least three players and a large, empty tin can like a spaghetti sauce can. Have all the players stand in line and choose one person to be “it.” Another player kicks the can as far as possible. While “it” retrieves the can, everyone else hides. “It” lays the can on the starting line and hunts for other players. Players may change hiding places at any time. When “it” finds a player, he or she calls out the name and location of the player and that person then becomes “it”. There are many variations of this game, so feel free to get creative with this and other after school activities.

Kids usually have the munchies when they get home from school, so teach them to eat healthy by getting them busy in the kitchen. Nachos are a fun-to-make, kid-friendly snack; you can even make them for dinner! Brown some ground beef, drain the fat, and add some mild taco sauce or salsa. For a vegetarian version, substitute black beans for the ground beef. On a pizza pan, layer some baked, whole grain tortilla chips with the meat and some grated cheese. Put it in the oven until the cheese melts. Serve the nachos with some low fat sour cream, chopped tomatoes, shredded lettuce, re-fried beans and diced red or green peppers. Preparing this simple, yummy snack will teach kids the importance of incorporating the four food groups into their diet, show them how to follow a recipe, and introduce them to measurements. As a bonus, the kids will be eating a serving of fresh veggies without even knowing it!

If you’re not available to supervise your child’s projects after classes let out, then make up a list of things to do for their caregiver and provide a bag of supplies. If you opt for an after school club, make sure it involves physical activities that will benefit your child. After school activities can play an important role in a child’s development, so make sure they have fun and use the time wisely.

Getting your children involved with after school activities is a great way to keep them busy and supervised until you get home. And luckily, there are lots of options for after school programs that are inexpensive and easily accessible.

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