Woodside After School Program
The children in the After School Program begin their time at Woodside with a snack before heading outside for some fresh air and exercise on our Outdoor Classroom. After outdoor time they take time to complete their homework before joining various groups and activities. Some of the children jump right into the activities, creating amazing projects. With clay, they make animals, rocket ships, and people. They work with perler beads to create flowers, monkeys, and peace signs. The children learn to weave, make hats with the Nifty Knitters, and sew. They also enjoy paper mache, decoupage, crayon melt, and painting with acrylics.
Recently, the children took an interest in studying other countries. They first
studied China and made a life-size Chinese Dragon. They had a parade throughout the school for the children in the other programs. Each child painted a ceramic plate or bowl. When they were finished, the pieces were brought to “You’re Fired” for a finishing touch. In Cooking Group they
made fried rice and fortune cookies. When the children studied Egypt, they learned how to write in hieroglyphics and created headbands and belts out of cloth.
The children work hard to earn Woodside Cash to spend in their store. Although there are many ways to earn cash, the most popular are the Homework Group, Cooking Group, Lego Group, and Theater. They put together a few performances throughout the year including plays and singing for the children in other Woodside programs. When they’ve saved up some Woodside Cash, they may go shopping in the Woodside Store for school supplies, books, and craft projects.
Many of the children participated in a Yoga Group which was offered during the winter months. It helped them relax their bodies after a busy day at school. Last April the children enjoyed a workshop on water safety with the Army Corps of Engineers. It was a great reminder of how to stay safe while swimming or boating. They also participated in some educational water games together.
Toward the end of the last school year the children planned a talent show and family dinner. They practiced and rehearsed comedy, instruments, karate, and sports, as well as singing karaoke and solo. After the talent show the children performed a great big cheer for the year and pulled on party poppers, then served their families a spaghetti dinner and had an ice cream social.
