The school day can feel long for many kids, and sometimes it’s hard to focus when the bell rings. After the day’s lessons are over, kids need a way to stay engaged and productive. That’s where afterschool sessions come into play. At CIS Jax, our afterschool programs are designed to help students stay on track with their schoolwork while teaching them valuable study habits that can last a lifetime.
We know that every child learns differently, which is why we’ve designed our afterschool sessions to provide individualized support. These sessions are not just about homework help; they’re about building skills that students can use in all areas of their academic lives. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the study tips we emphasize in our afterschool sessions, so you can see how we help students thrive both inside and outside the classroom.
Why Afterschool Sessions Matter
The Benefits of Afterschool Programs for Kids
Many students struggle to concentrate during the school day. Whether it’s because they’re tired, distracted, or overwhelmed, they often need extra support after hours to solidify what they’ve learned. Kids afterschool programs, like the ones offered at CIS Jax, provide an essential environment where children can focus on improving their academic skills in a low-pressure setting.
Afterschool programs also allow for more one-on-one interaction with instructors, giving kids a chance to ask questions they might not feel comfortable asking during class. At CIS Jax, we make sure that every child gets the attention they need, ensuring that no student falls behind.
A Bridge Between School and Home
Afterschool programs also bridge the gap between school and home life. When students finish their homework and still have a few hours of free time, it’s easy for them to slip into distractions. Our afterschool sessions help them stay focused on academic goals while developing good study habits. The skills they gain here will benefit them beyond their school years.
Effective Study Tips for Afterschool Sessions
Now, let’s take a look at the study tips we focus on in our afterschool sessions at CIS Jax. These tips are practical, actionable, and proven to help kids improve their study skills.
1. Establish a Consistent Routine
Consistency is key to academic success. Kids do best when they know what to expect each day, especially after school. At CIS Jax, we make sure that our afterschool sessions follow a set routine. This helps students stay organized and manage their time effectively.
A consistent routine might include:
- Starting with a quick review of what was covered in school that day
- Allocating time for homework completion
- Following up with a review or additional practice on challenging topics
- Ending with a fun, relaxing activity to reinforce learning
By sticking to this routine, kids develop the habit of using their afterschool time wisely, making it a productive and positive part of their day.
2. Break Tasks into Manageable Chunks
Many students feel overwhelmed when faced with a large task, like a big test or a long homework assignment. One of the best study tips for afterschool sessions is teaching kids how to break tasks into smaller, more manageable parts.
For example, if a student has to write a research paper, instead of tackling the entire project at once, we break it down into smaller steps:
- Research and gather sources
- Create an outline
- Write the introduction
- Develop the body paragraphs
- Review and edit the work
This approach prevents procrastination and helps students stay on track. It also boosts their confidence as they accomplish each smaller step.
3. Use Active Learning Techniques
Active learning is far more effective than passive reading or listening. In our afterschool sessions, we encourage students to engage with the material actively. Whether it’s through hands-on activities, group discussions, or interactive problem-solving exercises, we help students internalize information by involving them directly in the learning process.
Here are a few active learning techniques we often use:
- Summarization: After reading a passage or completing a lesson, students summarize what they’ve learned in their own words.
- Quizzing: We often quiz students to help reinforce key concepts, whether it’s through flashcards or informal quizzes.
- Peer Teaching: When students explain concepts to one another, they deepen their own understanding and reinforce what they know.
Active learning keeps students engaged and helps them retain information more effectively than passive study methods.
4. Teach Time Management Skills
Good time management is a life skill that will serve students long after they leave school. In our afterschool sessions, we teach students how to prioritize tasks, set realistic goals, and stick to a schedule.
One method we recommend is the Pomodoro Technique, where students work in focused 25-minute intervals, followed by a 5-minute break. This helps students stay on task without feeling burnt out. As students get older, they learn to set deadlines and manage their time more independently, which is an invaluable skill for both school and future careers.
5. Create a Positive Study Environment
The right environment can make a world of difference when it comes to studying. In our afterschool programs, we emphasize the importance of creating a quiet, organized space for homework and studying. This includes:
- Removing distractions (e.g., turning off the TV or putting away cell phones)
- Organizing study materials (pens, notebooks, books) to reduce stress
- Making sure the space is well-lit and comfortable
A positive study environment helps kids stay focused and feel motivated to get their work done.
How CIS Jax Supports Kids in Afterschool Sessions
At CIS Jax, we don’t just teach academic skills, we also focus on building good study habits that will last throughout each student’s academic career. Our kids’ afterschool programs are designed to support the diverse needs of every child. Whether a student needs help with organization, test preparation, or simply staying focused, we are here to guide them every step of the way.
Individualized Support
Every child is different, and our afterschool sessions reflect that. We offer individualized support based on each student’s strengths and weaknesses. If a student is struggling with math, for example, we might provide extra practice or pair them with a tutor who can help them grasp the concepts. If a student excels in writing but struggles with reading comprehension, we design the lessons to address those needs.
Encouraging Independent Learning
While it’s important to provide guidance, we also believe in encouraging students to take ownership of their learning. In our afterschool sessions, we teach kids to become independent learners by encouraging them to ask questions, explore new topics on their own, and seek out resources outside of the classroom.
Fostering a Growth Mindset
A key part of our philosophy at CIS Jax is fostering a growth mindset in students. This means encouraging them to view challenges as opportunities to grow rather than as insurmountable obstacles. By developing a positive attitude towards learning, kids become more resilient in the face of academic struggles.
The Importance of Afterschool Sessions in the Academic Journey
Afterschool programs, like the ones offered by CIS Jax, play an important role in a student’s academic success. By providing a structured environment where students can receive help with homework, improve study skills, and stay engaged with learning, we help set them up for long-term success.
In addition to academic growth, afterschool sessions also offer opportunities for socialization and personal development. By interacting with peers and instructors, students develop better communication skills, collaboration abilities, and confidence.
Conclusion
The tips and strategies we teach in our afterschool sessions are designed to empower students with the tools they need to succeed. By focusing on building strong study habits, time management skills, and a positive attitude toward learning, we help students not only excel in school but also develop lifelong skills that will serve them well into the future.
If you’re looking for a place where your child can grow academically and personally, CIS Jax offers the kids afterschool programs you need. Join us in creating a brighter future for your child, one study session at a time.