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Visit our website: www.dekalbcountykeys.org |
The KEYS to the Future |
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DECEMber 2008 |
Volume 1, Number 8 |
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Subject: Asset 18 – Youth Programs
After-school activities: They may be extra but they’re also essential
It’s appropriate that the word extracurricular starts with the letter “E.” But the word should really be essential-curricular. In fact, they’re so important many schools are now calling them co-curricular activities. For many young people, youth programs at school and in the community are the highlight of their day. They meet new people who share their interests or introduce them to new pursuits. They spend time with adults who also enjoy the activity. And they boost their skills. Youth Programs is Asset 18 of Search Institute’s 40 Developmental Assets, the qualities, experiences, and relationships that help young people grow up healthy, caring, and responsible.
Here are the facts
Research shows that young people who regularly spend time in sports, clubs, or other youth programs have higher self-esteem and better leadership skills, and are less likely to feel lonely. About 57 percent of young people, ages 11-18, spend three or more hours a week in youth programs, according to Search Institute. Young people involved in interesting activities helps bring out their best.
Tips for building this asset
Encourage young people to join a school or community activity that matches their interests, or try one they have never considered before. People can learn a lot about themselves by taking a chance on something new. Clubs and programs can also help young people make new friends of all ages, give them leadership opportunities, and make school more fun. Many groups also let them choose how much time and energy to commit.
Also try this
In your home and family: With your child, make a list of activities he or she wants to learn about. Rank the ideas according to her or his level of interest. Together, research ways to try out the top two choices.
In your neighborhood and community: Check your newspaper for upcoming community activities such as charity lunches, art openings, or athletic events. How many are youth-centered or allow youth participation? If you don’t see many, consider starting an activity for young people with your neighbors.
In your school or youth program: Discuss the following with the young people in your class or program: If you could start a club of your own, what would it be? How would you get it started? What materials would you need?
Local statistics
The national average of young people 11-18 years of age who spend three or more hours per week in sports, clubs, or organizations at school and/or in community organizations is 57%. Our local survey indicates that youth of that age group who participate in youth programs is 58%.
According to a study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of more than 5,000 students in kindergarten through 5th grade, as published in the American Journal of Public Health, physical activity helps kids, especially girls, perform better on homework assignments. So encourage your children to become involved in extra-curricular activities!
Share your Asset stories with us!
What Youth Programs are your children involved with, either at or outside of school? What do you do at home to encourage participation in sports, clubs or organizations? If you have seen or been a part of a story that shows Assets in use, please email us so we can share your story with our readers. Reach us at info@dekalbcountykeys.org.
See the Assets in Action section below for a follow-up story about how Sylvan Learning Center encourages Reading for Pleasure for our local youth.
Assets in Action
Sylvan in Sycamore has found another fantastic way to build asset #25 and encourage young people to read for pleasure! A fun way to get children excited about reading is Book Adventure, www.bookadventure.com, a free online resource which harnesses children’s fascination with technology and computers and helps make reading fun! With entertaining and colorful graphics, children in grades K-8 are led by Rex Reader (a Tyrannosaurus Rex with a love for books) and Bailey Bookmark (a dog who reads everything he can get his paws on) through the process of choosing and using books.
Based on children’s grade level and interests, a personalized book list is generated from over 4000 titles. The child reads the books offline and returns to take a quiz about what he or she has read, earning points which can be redeemed for prizes. Get motivated to read! You can even hold a Book Adventure contest!! The site is also for parents and teachers too! They can monitor reading comprehension with reports generated by the site. The site also offers a variety of learning tips, homework helpers and other web resources. Join the more than 380,000 registered users and enjoy reading more today!
Sylvan also holds a Holiday Book Drive each year and encourages students and families to pass on the gift of literacy to others in our community. We collect and donate the books to our local school districts for Book Swap programs and to build classroom libraries! Last year we collected over 1000 books from our students, staff and parents who love to read and want to help build this asset in our community! Please stop by Sylvan at 1715 DeKalb Ave if you’d like to donate new or gently used children’s books or to learn more about the 40 Developmental Assets. Please call 815-899-8909 for more information!
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Want to know more about Search Institute’s asset categories or the 40 Developmental Assets and ideas for helping young people build them? Visit their website at www.search-institute.org/assets.
Developmental Assets® are positive factors within young people, families, communities, schools, and other settings that research has found to be important in promoting the healthy development of young people. From Instant Assets: 52 Short and Simple E-Mails for Sharing the Asset Message. Copyright © 2007 by Search Institute®, 877-240-7251; www.search-institute.org. This message may be reproduced for educational, noncommercial uses only (with this copyright line). All rights reserved.
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