BEAS Academy’s Narrative on Academic Enrichment
What is academic enrichment?
Academic enrichment programs are scheduled extracurricular activities where students can receive advanced academic instruction, get extra help with homework assignments, or discover new hobbies, interests and activities outside the classroom setting.
Why should students get involved?
Enrichment programs give students the opportunity to explore new activities, develop new skills, get help with homework and socialize with others outside of the classroom setting, and help kids develop the attitudes and skills to achieve their academic goals.
Enrichment programs can also include sports clubs, trivia and board game clubs, homework clubs, martial arts or dance classes, math lessons, yoga lessons, piano classes and many other extracurricular activities. All kids can benefit from the educational and developmental opportunities offered through these programs – especially kids who may be facing challenges in other areas of their lives.
Who belongs in academic enrichment?
- High achieving students
Students who are ahead of their peers in math and reading can face significant challenges in school. Some are so quick to grasp new concepts that they get bored in class. They may be easily distracted or disruptive during lessons, despite achieving high grades. The kids in this group can benefit from the additional challenges and opportunities offered through enrichment programs. - Low achieving students who need extra help
Low-achieving students who are academically behind their peers can benefit from enrichment programs that offer extra help with homework assignments, one-on-one academic support and a quiet study space for test preparation. Enrichment programs in the arts, science and language can provide additional opportunities for cognitive development. Some programs can even open up alternate career pathways for kids who aren’t reaching their full potential in their public or private education system. - Average students with the drive to succeed
An average student is not destined to be average – they simply haven’t found the thing they’re going to excel at yet. Enrichment programs expose these kids to new activities, sports, games, skills and hobbies. They’ll have the opportunity to try new things and learn more about their likes and dislikes. Ultimately, they’ll discover new passions and interests that motivate them to keep working hard in school and achieve their goals. - Any students looking for fun experiences outside of the classroom
Kids love to have fun, and enrichment programs are a great way to create enjoyable experiences while also fostering opportunities for learning and growth. Plus, parents may prefer their children engage in more directed activities than what may be offered by a before or after school program. - What are the benefits of enrichment programs to students?
Discovering new activities and hobbies. Student enrichment programs give kids the opportunity to try new sports, games and activities, often for the first time. These programs connect kids with valuable community resources that they might otherwise have difficulty accessing. - Develop work ethic and study skills
When kids engage in extra academic enrichment programs outside of class, or commit their time to developing a valued skill, they can significantly improve their work ethic and ability to concentrate. Academic enrichment programs also teach study skills and self-directed learning, ideas that kids can use to succeed in their regular classes. - Increased interest in learning
Enrichment programs provide a low-stress environment where kids are encouraged to learn and explore without the need to prepare for evaluation. This can help kids build their enthusiasm around the learning process and develop a more positive attitude toward academics. - Finding an outlet for energy
Enrichment programs that focus on physical activity and recreation give kids the opportunity to expend energy and get the exercise they need to stay focused during their classes and while completing homework. Millions of kids in America aren’t getting enough physical activity, so there should be plenty of demand for enrichment programs focusing on sports, athletics and outdoor games. - Increases motivation to perform well in school
Student enrichment programs can help motivate your child to do their best in school – especially if they’ve shown signs of low motivation (such as understanding class material, but still getting low grades).Low motivation can be a sign that your child doubts their ability to succeed. If this is the case, they may decide that it’s better not to try. Their focus during class may shift away from the teacher and toward entertaining their peers – and that’s when the trouble starts.
Enrichment programs can help your child break free from self-doubt by giving them opportunities to excel at a new task in a different environment. Once they’ve seen how regular practice and commitment helped them get better at drawing or playing soccer, they’re often more willing to put in that same effort to improve their math and reading skills.