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The Ultimate Guide to Engaging Afterschool Programs

afterschool programs guide
Design engaging afterschool programs for elementary students! Accelerate learning beyond the school day with our guide.

Table of Contents

Did you know that regular participation in high-quality afterschool programs is linked to significant improvements in standardized test scores, work habits, and behavioral problems – especially for disadvantaged students?

Afterschool programs can be vital extensions of the school day, offering much more than simple childcare. Research consistently shows that these structured school enrichment initiatives have a profound impact on academic achievement, foster social and emotional growth, and provide crucial afterschool help for working families.

For principals and administrators, investing in engaging afterschool programs for elementary students is a great way to support your school community. From targeted homework help to exciting extracurricular activities, afterschool curriculums can transform students’ learning experience. In this guide, we’ll explore how you can design or elevate your afterschool programs to best benefit your students and families.

The Core Components of Engaging Afterschool Programs

What sets the best afterschool programs for elementary students apart from the others? It comes down to several key components that actively engage children in learning, rather than just providing supervision for them.

Active & Experiential Learning

Active learning strategies should be a priority for any school enrichment program. That said, afterschool programs can include more hands-on learning experiences than the regular school day allows. Unlike passive instruction, where students simply absorb information, active learning invites them to think critically, discuss ideas, investigate problems, and create solutions.

One form of active learning is kinesthetic learning activities. For instance, students can experience math and literacy concepts by moving on Math & Movement floor mats. This approach engages more than just the mind as students are up out of their seats using their bodies as a manipulative to find solutions to problems.

active learning afterschool

Student Choice & Voice

Choice is a powerful motivator. When students have a say in what and how they learn, they’re more likely to feel enthusiastic and engaged.

Of course, offering student choice and voice doesn’t mean running an unorganized free-for-all. It’s about striking a balance: providing options within a clear, structured framework. This approach empowers young learners while ensuring your school enrichment programs stay aligned with academic goals and behavioral expectations.

Supportive Relationships

Supportive relationships are essential for successful afterschool help initiatives. Strong bonds between staff, students, and their peers build a sense of belonging and unity. When children feel known, valued, and respected, they’re more likely to attend regularly and participate actively.

Research shows a link between students’ sense of belonging at school and their academic, social-emotional, and behavioral outcomes. As you design or refine your program, prioritize hiring and training staff who can foster positive connections, serve as role models, and cultivate an environment where every student feels important.

Safe Environment

Both physical and emotional safety are paramount for effective school enrichment. When students worry about being bullied, excluded, or underestimated, their engagement plummets. Conversely, in a nurturing climate where clear norms and expectations are consistently upheld, students flourish.

Effective afterschool programs ensure proper supervision, maintain secure facilities, and promote inclusivity while engaging learners in valuable experiences. Staff should model and reinforce positive behaviors, creating a space characterized by respect and support. In this environment, children feel free to take intellectual risks, explore new interests, and build confidence—all essential components for success in school and life.

Afterschool Frameworks for Engagement

Research-backed frameworks can help administrators plan afterschool programs for elementary students.

Connected Learning

The Connected Learning framework is built on the idea that students thrive when their education encompasses three key spheres:

  • Interest-based learning – studying what genuinely fascinates them
  • Peer-based learning – incorporating collaboration
  • Academic learning – linking experiences to school subjects and standards

By integrating these elements into a program, learning will feel personally meaningful and socially connected for students, ultimately supporting deeper academic engagement.

Connecting students’ personal interests with peer communities and academic objectives creates enthusiasm that carries back into the classroom. This kind of school enrichment also fosters intrinsic motivation, making students more likely to persevere through challenges.

school enrichment

SAFE Framework

Another proven approach is the SAFE framework, which outlines four essential features of high-quality programs that build social-emotional skills and academic readiness:

  • Sequenced: Activities are organized in a logical, progressive way that builds skills step by step.
  • Active: Students engage through doing and practicing new concepts in hands-on ways rather than just listening.
  • Focused: Programs dedicate time and attention specifically to developing targeted skills, such as empathy or teamwork.
  • Explicit: Social-emotional and cognitive skills are clearly identified and taught, not left to chance.
SAFE framework after school

Research indicates that SAFE-aligned afterschool programs lead to improvements in social-emotional skills, self-perception, attitudes towards school, behavioral problems, and academic performance, especially when started early.

Embracing this structured and engaging approach ensures your extracurricular activities support essential life skills, promote academic gains, and provide holistic afterschool help.

Best Practices for Structuring and Managing High-Quality Programs

Here’s how you can structure and sustain engaging afterschool programs for elementary students that deliver measurable benefits.

Program Structure and Scheduling

A well-organized program strikes a balance between flexibility and predictability. While afterschool hours should feel distinct from the traditional classroom, students still need a structured learning space that offers security and purpose.

According to Vanderbilt’s IRIS Center, consistent routines are correlated to stronger behavior and academic outcomes, and the same holds true outside regular school hours.

A typical daily flow might look like this:

  • Check-in and greet students
  • Snack break to recharge and socialize
  • Afterschool help on homework
  • Enrichment activities including art projects or movement-based activities
  • Physical activity or outdoor play
  • Closing circle or check-out 

Don’t forget to dedicate time each week for staff to plan the afterschool schedule. This intentional method, with a pace and focus different from the typical school day, helps maintain engagement and allows children to explore new interests in a supportive environment.

Staffing Ratios

Obviously, maintaining adequate supervision is the first step in your engaging afterschool program. While state and local guidelines vary (and must always be followed), lower student-to-staff ratios ensure that each child gets the individual attention they need. The National Association for the Education of Young Children, for example, recommends ratios as low as 1:10 for younger children in group settings.

Staff Qualifications

High-quality extracurricular activities depend on well-prepared staff who can nurture relationships, guide learning, and keep students safe. At a minimum, your team should meet local requirements for background checks and have the academic skills to assist with homework.

Beyond that, look for people with experience in child development, youth programming, or enrichment activities. Train the staff to have the same expectations and a clear understanding of how the program will run.

Math & Movement offers both in-person and virtual trainings for program staff to learn how to deliver content in interactive, kinesthetic ways. This investment pays off in improved student outcomes, enhanced program reputation, and increased family trust.

afterschool programs for elementary students

Safety Protocols

Have a comprehensive safety plan to protect everyone in the school after usual hours and to build parent confidence. Prioritize:

  • Physical security: Control access points and maintain line-of-sight supervision.
  • Attendance and dismissal: Use sign-in/out systems, verify authorized pick-ups, and track attendance closely.
  • Emergency preparedness: Develop and rehearse emergency plans, ensure supplies and communication tools are readily accessible, and train all staff on protocols.

Communication Strategies with Parents and Guardians

Effective communication can be a strategic function that fosters trust and keeps families engaged. Use a blend of:

  • Emails and school newsletters
  • Face-to-face or virtual meetings
  • Phone calls and SMS alerts
  • Your school’s website and social media
  • Letters sent home or updates through parent apps

Share key program details, but also spotlight positive moments and individual progress. Establish a feedback loop, inviting parents to share their perspectives, so your afterschool programs continue to evolve in ways that best serve their children. Proactive communication turns families into school partners.

School-Community Partnerships

Strong partnerships amplify what your afterschool programs can offer. By collaborating with community-based organizations, libraries, museums, local colleges, and businesses, you can:

  • Enrich student learning through specialized workshops or field trips
  • Access additional funding, staffing, and expertise
  • Strengthen family and community involvement in your school

Principals are uniquely positioned to initiate and maintain these relationships, ensuring that your school enrichment efforts are robust and embedded in the broader community.

afterschool programs core components

While considering these best practices, you can work on designing your afterschool curriculum and activities.

Designing Engaging Curriculum and Activities

Thoughtfully designed afterschool programs spark curiosity, support growth, and make learning fun.

Aligning with Goals and Student Interests

What do you want students to gain? Maybe it’s stronger academic skills, improved confidence, or more meaningful peer connections. Once your goals are set, choose activities that directly support them.

But just as importantly, center your planning around your students. Gather their input, learn what excites them, and design opportunities that tap into their interests while exposing them to new ideas. Offering a variety of experiences —hands-on, project-based, collaborative, and exploratory —ensures that every student stays engaged.

Differentiate activities to accommodate abilities and learning styles. A mix of reinforcement and creative exploration helps students deepen understanding across multiple modalities, making your school enrichment truly effective. 

Curriculum Area Examples

A strong afterschool program curriculum balances core academic support with diverse extracurricular activities. Here are some key areas to consider.

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math)

STEM activities are a fantastic way to build problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration skills. Your program might include:

  • Building and programming robots
  • Exploring coding through games and storytelling
  • Conducting science experiments
  • Tackling engineering design challenges
  • Going on nature walks to study ecosystems
  • Jumping on Math & Movement mats with a math club group

Partnering with local science centers or universities can add expert support and resources. And don’t forget the power of kinesthetic learning — Math & Movement products can be a valuable asset for making STEM learning more active, particularly for math concepts, ensuring a deeper understanding and enjoyment of these subjects.

Elevate Math Learning Across Your Entire School

Discover how Math & Movement’s kits can supplement your curriculum and turn math class into an active, full-body learning experience. Engage students in all grade levels and boost math proficiency through movement-based activities.

math kits

Arts and Crafts

Artistic expression nurtures creativity, self-esteem, and cultural awareness. Offer students chances to dive into:

  • Visual arts like painting, drawing, or sculpture
  • Performing arts, including theater, dance, and music
  • Creative writing, poetry, or digital storytelling
  • Projects that blend art with technology

These activities not only enrich learning but also give students diverse ways to communicate and connect.

Physical Activity

On average, elementary school students sit for 8.5 hours each day. At age 8, children’s activity levels drop even further and continue to decline throughout adolescence.

It is essential for children to have a healthy way to expend their energy and meet motor-skill development benchmarks. Alarmingly, only 20–28% of kids ages 6 to 17 meet the U.S. Physical Activity Guidelines of 60 minutes of daily physical activity.

Afterschool programs are the perfect opportunity to incorporate physical extracurricular activities, like dance, yoga, kickball, or free play in the gym or on the playground.

Adding Math & Movement to your afterschool program for elementary students can also increase physical activity time while focusing on academic goals. Try some active math movements to practice counting, or get students out of their seats and jumping on one of the floor mats in our After School Kits while they solve math problems.

extracurricular activities

Literacy

Literacy is another core subject to integrate into your afterschool program. Try:

  • Read-alouds and independent reading
  • Book clubs and discussion circles
  • Journaling or creating newsletters
  • Researching topics of interest
  • Cooking from recipes
  • Visiting a library

You can enhance literacy with movement, too! Math & Movement has a wide selection of kinesthetic learning products to actively practice foundational reading skills.

Strengthen Literacy Skills With Active Engagement

Get students on their feet while reading by adding Math & Movement to your ELA instruction. Watch students’ foundational literacy skills develop through movement-based activities that bring learning to life for every student.

literacy kits

Homework Assistance

Well-organized homework time gives students a calm, supportive environment to complete assignments and develop effective study habits. Set aside a designated space staffed by trained educators or tutors who can guide students and offer encouragement. Make sure resources like calculators, dictionaries, or laptops are available. This afterschool help builds skills that students can apply to the regular school day.

Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)

Considering social-emotional development takes your afterschool program to the next level. Embed SEL by: 

  • Using cooperative games that teach communication and empathy
  • Holding role-playing sessions to practice conflict resolution or decision-making
  • Facilitating discussions and reflective circles
  • Introducing mindfulness and self-regulation activities
  • Modeling and encouraging positive interactions throughout all activities

By making SEL an intentional part of your curriculum, your afterschool programs will nurture resilient, empathetic learners who are ready to navigate both academic and life challenges.

after school help

These are just some of the curriculum areas you can consider for your afterschool program for elementary students. Ultimately, your extracurricular activities will depend on your school’s wants and needs.

Building Afterschool Programs That Drive Elementary Student Success

As you consider the holistic development of your elementary students, the hours after the final bell present a powerful, often untapped, time for growth and engagement. Afterschool programs can ignite a genuine passion for learning while providing essential support. Downtime becomes an opportunity for enrichment and skill-building.

One of the most effective ways to increase comprehension and engagement in your afterschool program is to incorporate movement-based learning activities. Research consistently shows that kinesthetic approaches, such as those embedded in Math & Movement activities, deepen understanding, boost memory, and keep students engaged in a joyful and active way.

See the Impact of Kinesthetic Learning Firsthand

Want to head deeper into the research and results behind Math & Movement? Explore our Program Data page to see how schools across the US are transforming student achievement with our kinesthetic learning strategies.

  • Boost Student Learning

  • Improvement Across Grade Levels

  • Increase Self-Efficacy and Confidence

  • Learn 4-5x Faster

  • Decrease Performance Gaps

  • Transform Classroom Behavior

student data

Our After School Kits include a collection of kinesthetic learning materials designed to make lessons fun. Math & Movement’s materials are unique because they combine physical activity with academics. With these kits, learning after school becomes active and enjoyable, rather than boring and sedentary!

Ready to take your afterschool enrichment to the next level? Explore our After School Kits and discover resources that will enrich your students’ afternoons, support your staff, and showcase your school as a champion of innovative, whole-child education.

Products for Elementary Afterschool Programs

FAQs

Afterschool programs are organized activities for students that take place after the usual school-day hours. They offer school enrichment activities, including active and experiential learning activities, arts and crafts, SEL activities, and physical play. Many students and parents rely on these programs for afterschool help with homework and childcare.

Consider the following aspects when designing and planning a new afterschool program:

  • Structure and schedule
  • Staffing ratios and qualifications
  • Afterschool curriculum areas
  • Safety Protocols
  • Communication Strategies with Parents and Guardians
  • School-Community Partnerships
  • Budget

Yes, afterschool programs are effective. Regular participation in afterschool programs is linked to significant improvements in standardized test scores, work habits, and behavioral problems, especially for disadvantaged students.

Math & Movement enhances afterschool programs for elementary students by bringing opportunities for physical activity and academic practice together. The easy-to-use floor mats in our After School Kits allow students to move their full bodies while exploring math and literacy concepts. Educators can find activities and games to go with each mat on our online activity database. Access is included with every purchase.

Article Sources

  1. Vandell, D. L., Reisner, E. R., & Pierce, K. M. (2007). Outcomes linked to high-quality afterschool programs: Longitudinal findings from the study of promising afterschool programs. Policy Studies Associates, Inc. 
  2. Cornell University Center for Teaching Innovation: Active Learning – Accessed July 2, 2025
  3. Korpershoek, H., Canrinus, E. T., Fokkens-Bruinsma, M., & de Boer, H. (2019). The relationships between school belonging and students’ motivational, social-emotional, behavioural, and academic outcomes in secondary education: a meta-analytic review. Research Papers in Education35(6), 641–680. https://doi.org/10.1080/02671522.2019.1615116 
  4. Fordham Institute: Children learn best when they feel safe and valued – April 8, 2021
  5. Kimberly Hirsh: Memo: Defining Connected Learning – April 16, 2019
  6. Wallace Foundation: Navigating Social and Emotional Learning From the Inside Out – July 2021
  7. Education Policy Institute: Social and emotional learning: An evidence review and synthesis of key issues – November 4, 2021
  8. Durlak, J. A., Weissberg, R. P., Dymnicki, A. B., Taylor, R. D., & Schellinger, K. B. (2011). The impact of enhancing students’ social and emotional learning: A meta‐analysis of school‐based universal interventions. Child Development, 82(1), 405–432. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-8624.2010.01564.x 
  9. Virtual Lab School: Maintaining Safe Adult-to-Child Ratios – Accessed July 2, 2025
  10. Skool Loop: The Benefits of School Community Partnerships – Accessed July 2, 2025
  11. Health World Education: Are Students Sitting too Long? The Benefits of Intermittent activity – January 24, 2019
  12. University of Kansas Medical Center: 2024 US Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth shows few children are getting the recommended daily dose of activity – October 9, 2024
Picture of Suzy Koontz

Suzy Koontz

Suzy Koontz, CEO and Founder of Math & Movement, has spent over 25 years helping students achieve academic success. She has created over 200 kinesthetic teaching tools adopted by schools nationwide and has authored over 20 books. As a sought-after national presenter, Suzy shares how movement can transform the way students learn.

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