How KidSmart’s Approach to After-School Learning Differ from the Annex Program

On one hand, there is KidSmart after-school learning. On the other hand, there are the school annex programs. Both have the same objective, to provide learning help and extracurricular activities to children after school. However, what makes the learning approach of KidSmart Academy different and stand out from annex programs? That’s what we will find out together. In today’s blog, we will try to find out what are school annex programs, what are their disadvantages and how KidSmart provides the best after-school learning and care to your little ones.

What is the School Annex Program?

Both the school annex and program for care after school sound similar. They are the same in terms of providing learning help and extracurricular activities to students after school. However, a school annex program is held in a nearby building, which is near the school building but is not directly associated with it.

What it does is provide childcare and educational support before and after school. Some schools provide it and include homework help, group activities, and enrichment opportunities. In that context, here are the various things school annexes provide to kids.

• A safe environment for students to get care before and after school.
• Students can also get help to complete their homework.
• Students can participate in organized group activities.
• Enrichment classes, which help students enrich their learning and grasp topics better.  

However, don’t you think that annex programs are more after school? The only thing that children don’t need. Plus, they are limited in what extra they can provide to students. Plus, only a few schools provide such programs, so the availability is also limited.

Read Also : The Best Summer Camp Activities for Fostering Independence in Kids

Disadvantages of School Annex Programs

Other than the fact that the school annex programs are more school after school and are limited in what they provide to students, there are also other disadvantages of school annex programs.

1. Student Boredom

Students can easily get bored in long academic sessions. Come to think about it, although an annex is different, the approach is the same as a school. Plus, moving from one building to another in a before, during, and after school routine can be tiring for kids as well. The KidSmart after-school learning approach is very different from this.

2. Stress & Anxiety

Since there is no fun in school annex programs, students can experience stress and anxiety due to longer stay.

3. Cost

School annexes are expensive and not all parents can afford it. KidSmart after-school learning is way better and affordable.

4. Unprofessionalism

Teachers at school annexes can be unprofessional because as we mentioned before, it is not directly associated with school and so the teachers and staff may be different and not professional. Plus, students may not feel comfortable with teachers they are unfamiliar with.

5. Lack of Individual Attention

School annex programs lack individual student attention as the student-to-teacher ratio is the same as schools. The KidSmart after-school care approach is the opposite of this as the student-to-teacher ratio is below minimum.

6. Lack of Holistic Learning

School annexes lack holistic learning as the student-to-teacher ratio is very high.

7. Academic Pressure

Although school annexes are indirectly associated with schools, they are still linked to them. So you can expect academic pressure, which can take a toll on children. However, KidSmart after-school learning focuses on creative fun learning with a relaxed mind.

8. Limited Diversity

At school annexes, there is almost no socioeconomic, cultural, and racial diversity. It’s because the students are from the same school, so children will not meet and make new friends either.

Why is KidSmart’s After-School Learning Approach Different?

As we mentioned before, the KidSmart after-school learning approach is different from annexes. However, why is it so? Why do parents prefer sending their children to KidSmart Academy? Here are the reasons we found.

1. Fun Learning

The approach to learning after school at KidSmart is fun and learning. The teachers and qualified staff at KidSmart add fun to the learning through creative enrichment classes, extracurricular group activities, games (non-screen), and camps that keep children occupied and happy while they learn new things.

2. Enrichment Classes

The KidSmart after-school learning approach includes providing enrichment classes to children in Spanish, Hindi, Lego robotics, mad science, art, and more for the complete holistic development of each child through a below-minimum student-to-teacher ratio.

3. Growth & Development Focused

The KidSmart program for care after school focuses on the complete growth and development of children. They do it via various kinds of fun group activities and camps that focus on building various essential skills in little and growing kids such as making and maintaining friendships.

4. Flexible Schedule

The KidSmart after-school learning approach also incorporates a flexible timetable, which includes more free play, sleep, and snack time. Overall, it provides kids with much-needed relaxation and happiness after returning from school.

5. Exposure to Celebrations

The KidSmart program for care after school exposes children to various celebrations in traditional styles. These include Mother’s Day, Annual Day, Halloween, and more.

6. Diversity

Children from diverse backgrounds and schools meet, make friends, and learn at KidSmart Academy. That’s what makes the KidSmart after-school learning approach the best.

Read Also : The Importance of Summer Camp for Children’s Social and Academic Development

Conclusion 

We now hope that you know why KidSmart’s after-school learning approach is different from school annex programs. To conclude, we can say that school annexes are good for children to a limit. However, they have more disadvantages than benefits for kids. That’s why sending your children to a care after-school program such as the one at KidSmart Academy, is a much better option. Their fun learning approach boosts the growth and development of children in exciting ways that keep them occupied and happy through the most creative enrichment classes, camps, and more.