Afterschool In Home Daycare Question :)

[Unregistered]

Hi, I was just wondering if anyone with afteschool dcks plan structured activities for them. I have 3 afterschool dcks along with 3 of my own. They are 9,9,9,7,7 and 3. We normally just do snack @ 3pm then they go outside for about an hour or so weather depending and they tend to just hang out and entertain themselves. I worry that maybe I am not providing enough planned activities for them but they seem to get along quite well and afternoons tend to be quite peaceful. I guess I feel that I do not spend a lot of quality time with them. Any opinions? This is the first year that I've cared primarily for older dcks. Thanks

(I am taking on a new dcb in March who is 4 and will plan preschool activities for him and my ds because that age group tends to need structure. I used to have a group of 1-3 year olds and was constantly busy...I almost feel now that I am not doing enough...)

[cheerfuldom]

I think you are doing just fine especially since no one seems to have a problem with the routine as is. Don't forget, they are in school all day and need some down time after school anyway. I hate that parents and providers feel like every single second of the day has to be a structured learning activity. Why not just let them chill, find ways to entertain themselves, play outside and such?

[cheeseheadmama]

I agree. Let them just be kids and chill for a while. I have 2 S/A kids here and they love that they can come home and play with all the other kids. When it is nice they get a little more freedom to be outside because they are older and they love it. There are some days that we work on their homework or watch a movie but mostly I let them set their own pace.

[familyschoolcare]

My experience has been that after school, they do not whant any structure. Afterall, that is what they had all!!!! day long at school. Do you ofer time , same, supplies, and asistance to compleete homework.

[AfterSchoolMom]

I used to do an art project on Fridays, because our school system doesn't doesn't assign homework on Fridays at the elementary level. They weren't required to participate though. Sometimes I'd plan something like making candy, or a scavenger hunt, or something else more structured...but generally we only did those things on holidays.

I wouldn't stress about it. As others have said, they have structure all day at school - after school is a great time to unwind, especially if you're not having an issues with misbehavior or boredom.

Personally, if things were "peaceful" with a group of SA's, I'd be singing "Hallelujah" and enjoying it while it lasted.

[Unregistered]

Thanks! I feel much better. It is good to know that I am on the right track with the SA girls

[icaredaycare]

my after school kids come here, and they do their homework. they get snacks afterwards, and they get free time until pick up. i never put that much effort into planning activities, because their homework takes up quite some time.