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What is an After School Routine?

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Summary

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When we talk about after-school routines, we’re referring to the activities your child carries out after school is over for the day. It’s like their job from the moment school finishes until bedtime. This might include doing homework, eating dinner, or getting ready for bed. Kids with special needs need to have these routines, as they guide them on what comes next, organize their day, and help decrease anxiety.

Table of Contents

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Frequently Asked Question

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What is an after school routine?

An after school routine is a planned set of activities for kids to follow once the school day ends.

Why are after school routines important for kids with special needs?

Routines provide structure and predictability, reducing anxiety and enhancing behavioral outcomes for kids with special needs.

How can parents establish an effective after school routine?

Start by identifying key activities, use consistent timing and gradually introduce the routine to the child.

What should an after school routine include?

A typical after school routine might include snack time, homework time, leisure activities, dinner, and bedtime preparation.

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Scientific Definition

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In a more formal definition, an after-school routine is a structured progression of tasks a child completes following their school day. This often involves homework, leisure time, meals, and preparation for the next day. For children with developmental disabilities, these routines take on added significance. Research indicates consistent and well-structured after-school routines can enhance behavioral outcomes by supporting academic progress and emotional stability.

Video Explanation

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A Real Life Example of an After School Routine

Meet Charlie. Charlie is a nine-year-old kid with ADHD who has been having trouble transitioning from school to home in the afternoons. A well-thought-out after-school routine has been a game-changer for him. Here’s how his routine pans out:

  • 3:00PM: School ends: Charlie heads home on the bus with all his school buddies.
  • 3:30PM: Snack time: Charlie enjoys a healthy snack after a long day at school to regain lost energy.
  • 4:00PM: Homework: Next, Charlie sits to do his homework; he experiences fewer distractions after his snack.
  • 5:30PM: Leisure time: Charlie gets to choose an activity he enjoys. It could be drawing, playing outside, or watching his favorite TV show.
  • 6:30PM: Dinner: It’s time for a nutritious meal shared with family.
  • 7:30PM: Bedtime preparation: Charlie winds down for the night with a bedtime story, brushing his teeth, and finally, lights out.

It may look simple, but this structure has shown remarkable improvement in Charlie’s behavior, making his afternoons and evenings smoother and his household happier.

Here’s a quick guide for reference:

Time Activity
3:00PM End of school
3:30PM Snack Time
4:00PM Homework
5:30PM Leisure Time
6:30PM Dinner
7:30PM Bedtime Preparation

How are After School Routines Used?

After-school routines help structure a child’s day, allowing them to transition smoothly between tasks. These routines encourage predictability, reduce decision fatigue, and increase the chances of kids with special needs engaging successfully in their activities. Here’s how:

  • Predictability: Kids know what’s coming next, reducing anxiety and building confidence.
  • Reduces Decision Fatigue: Routines eliminate constant decision-making, helping kids conserve mental energy.
  • Promotes Engagement: Kids can focus on the task with routines, promoting active involvement.

This simple strategy of maintaining an after-school routine can significantly improve a child’s ability to navigate their daily activities with less stress. It’s not a magical solution, but it offers practical, hands-on, immediately-implementable benefits that can go a long way in fostering a happier, more organized household.

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