Ideas for After School Program?

[shark_nurse14, BSN, RN]

Hi Friends! My school is looking for faculty/staff who want to provide an after school program to our students and I would love to provide one related to health, just not sure how to go about it...any ideas?

Others are doing robotics, debate, things like that. My school is a prek-8th, but ideally I would like to work with the older kiddos so that is less of a babysitting service (as much as I love these kiddos, it's just too much!) and more of a learning experience. Would love to hear your ideas, we've got some smart people on this board :) Thanks!

[Flare, ASN, BSN]

How about teaching basic first aid or if certified to do so a cpr class. You can also just do a basic first aid and safety class or combine with a hobby, for example if you like to cook, you can teach easy to make snacks that don't necessarily require a stove or microwave and push food safety ideas such as handwashing and proper food handling.

[Eleven011]

First thing that comes to mind would be a yoga/meditation/relaxation type of class. Some of our little ones can be pretty stressed now a days. Obviously there are the first aid, heathy habits, etc. kind of classes, but those would get old fast if its the same kids day after day.

[OldDude]

"IF" I was going to do something like that I wouldn't do anything with the little ones, but for 4th through 8th graders I would offer classical dance lessons. I'd start off with the simple two-step country music style and move on to the waltz and go from there. It's something that most of the kids have never seen or participated in but that style of dance provides physical activity, improved coordination, and the opportunity to engage in social skills without the use of an electronic device. I see you rolling your eyes!! The kids may really like it.

We had a 4th grade teacher (she's moved on now) that offered knitting class after school. It was packed with girls and boys. My #4 son learned basic knitting and made a Christmas neck warmer for his Grandmother.

[MrNurse(x2), ADN]

Are there areas in education that may have deficiencies? I am teaching classes to the middle schoolers regarding drug abuse, because they don't offer that. I have also found that the outgoing eighth graders are deficient in anatomy and will be addressing that next. I enjoy the classroom and love the opportunity to deal with the students.

[shark_nurse14, BSN, RN]

Are there areas in education that may have deficiencies?

We are a private school and unfortunately do not yet have a health class (pushing for it for next year) so one idea I had popping around my head was a generalized health class r/t drugs/social media/relationships/healthy eating habits.

I guess I have so many options!

[JenTheSchoolRN, BSN, RN]

What about a basic cooking class, focusing on healthier choices? We have one for our 5th and 6th graders and I assisted with it one year. You don't need access to a kitchen if you can get a hotplate and a toaster oven and a few other things. It was a ton of fun and the kids loved it.

[MrNurse(x2), ADN]

We are a private school and unfortunately do not yet have a health class (pushing for it for next year) so one idea I had popping around my head was a generalized health class r/t drugs/social media/relationships/healthy eating habits.

I guess I have so many options!

The curriculum I use for drug awareness is FREE from NIH, called Brain Power. My private is very tight with budget and this is an excellent program, with free brochures. I am going to increase my teaching role next year.

[AdobeRN]

I love Old Dudes idea of dance. When I was in 5th & 6th grade (1979-1980) we had Square dancing & folk dancing as part of the PE curriculum - I come from a family of square dancers & cloggers, have danced since I could walk - so I loved it.

[Ankh]

Sex ed in a really fun way is really important for this age group including sexual assault prevention/risk reduction.