After-School Program Analysis

There is a need to implement more recreational activities and exercise to the existing after-school program, which offers an educational enrichment program. Studies have shown that children have better academic performance when they are routinely motivated to engage in moderate-intensity aerobic exercise. Furthermore; studies have shown that “both children with ADHD and without ADHD exhibited greater response accuracy and stimulus-related processing, with the children with ADHD also showing selective enhancements in regulatory processes, compared with after a similar duration of seated reading. Also, greater performance in the areas of reading and arithmetic were observed following exercise in both groups". (Pontifex., Saliba, Rains, Picchietti,
and six p.m. provides students with educational support, mentoring, help with homework, and provides healthy snacks like fruits and vegetables. Huie Elementary after-school program provides parents with afterschool care while they work. However; the program is lacking recreational and exercise activities. There are many students in this program that also receive Department of Exceptional Students (DES) services. Recreational activities would significantly help increase the academic performance of every child that attends the after-school
Certain types of exercise help the brain and body in different ways. The setting of where exercise takes place is important as well. Leaving the school building and going outside, walking at various locations around the school building, and moving around will also give many children a calming effect, which helps many students concentrate better. Aerobic exercise improves brain function by serving as a “first aid kit” to damaged brain cells. Aerobic exercise is great physical therapy for children that have injuries or any kind of brain