By Cassie Galasetti
Just because the bell has rung and school is out for the day, the learning doesn’t have to end. Continuing with educational activities during the after-school hours helps widen your child’s area of interests, increases self-esteem, encourages socialization and more.
Nowadays, children tend to go straight for their televisions or cellphones after school, so much so that the American Academy of Pediatrics warns that overuse of this type of media can put children and teens at risk of obesity, sleeping problems, cyberbullying and negative performance at school.
Instead of staring at a screen for the rest of the afternoon and into bedtime hours, here are eight places in the area to visit to keep the learning going with your kids:
1. MONMOUTH MUSEUM
The Becker Children’s Wing at the Monmouth Museum in Lincroft is the perfect spot to have a fun and educational experience at the same time. Visitors can explore the exhibition and experiment with many hands-on activities. Some of the themes they explore include weather, ancient Egypt, space and a crafting experience in the studio area.
2. MONMOUTH BATTLEFIELD
During the American Revolutionary War, the Battle of Monmouth was fought in 1778. The Monmouth Battlefield now has a visitor center and conducts walking tours through December, a great way to learn about important history in the area.
3. SANDY HOOK
From guided tours to an osprey watch, Gateway National Recreation Area at Sandy Hook provides a plethora of learning activities for kids of all ages. There’s even an opportunity for kids 7-14 years old to join the Junior Rangers Program, where children learn the importance of protecting our national parks.
4. LIBRARIES
Arts, puzzles, stories, games and science activities are just some of the offerings at the library. Middletown Township Public Library offers a Teen Volunteer Program and many events throughout the fall to keep your kids engaged and learning during the after-school hours. Monmouth County Library System’s Eastern Branch, located in Shrewsbury, offers various ways for kids to learn after school. With story time programs, interactive games and even homework help, there’s plenty to do. They also offer various special events for kids of all ages throughout the school year.
mtpl.org, monmouthcountylib.org
5. TASTE & TECHNIQUE
Cooking is an important skill to master early on. It promotes healthy eating, responsibility and independence – all important skills to acquire as you grow older. Taste & Technique in Fair Haven teaches a variety of those skills through workshops and individual kids’ classes this fall. Who knows, your child may be the next Bobby Flay!
6. PROJECT WRITE NOW
At any age, writing is one of the most essential skills you can have. Whether you’re in school or you’ve accepted your first job, writing proficiently helps you communicate your ideas with others. Project Write Now in Red Bank provides students with a safe and supportive environment to explore their creative side. Students will experiment with different styles of writing, tools to write like published authors and so much more.
7. MONMOUTH CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC
Sometimes the best way to learn music is through private instruction. If your child is showing a true interest in music, the Count Basie Center’s Monmouth Conservatory of Music in Red Bank will teach and guide students on their chosen instrument, as well as with reading and understanding sheet music and performance techniques. Children develop their performances skills by playing in recitals as well as attending recitals of other students throughout the semester.
8. THE LANGUAGE SCHOOL
Enseñar a los niños un nuevo idioma. In English: Teach kids a new language! The Language School in Red Bank gives kids the opportunity to learn more than just how to say “hello” in a different language. From Spanish to Italian to Mandarin Chinese, instructors will have your child speaking another language and exploring a new world and being able to communicate with people in all different cultures. It’s also a great skill to have when applying for colleges or to list on your résumé in the future.
