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The Embrace program

Homework, a monthly theme, swinging or jumping on the trampoline....all activities of the after school program Embrace. To give you an idea what an afternoon looks like, what follows  is a short description of the program.

In the circle

After all the children have arrived we start the afternoon 'in the circle'.

We sing the song ‘Esaki ta e dia, traha pa Senor' (This is the day, the Lord has given) and start with prayer. We then discuss the rest of the program with the children. The program is written on a white board illustrated with pictures. That way, each child knows what to expect and what is expected of them. A set structure is very important for the children.   

Homework

Each afternoon we start out doing homework. Most children get homework from school, and if they don't the Embrace staff will provide homework for them. Learning to work with a computer is also an important part of the program. Through an educational program the children get to know the computer and do schoolwork in a fun, playful way.

There is frequent contact with the children's teachers, so we can start to understand the learning style of each child and adapt the Embrace program to their needs.

The Monthly Theme

Each month has its own theme. This theme covers four areas of development: social (for instance working together on a presentation), emotional (for instance acting out a story), functional (for instance creative activities connected with the theme) and spiritual (for instance discussing the theme through a Bible story).   

Each week there are two moments when the themes are discussed and the children love to participate. Each theme is wrapped up with an outing or another special activity.

Fun and games

In addition to homework and the theme there is plenty of time left for fun and games: watching a video, playing a board game, playing with dolls or cars, jumping on the trampoline outside, swinging or playing soccer. The children also love taking care of the pets: the rabbits and a turtle. Each week a child, together with one of the groupleaders,  is responsible for a couple of small tasks, appropriate for their developmental level and age.

Contact with parents and school

In addition to the contact with the children's teachers we also have frequent contact with the parents or caregivers. This helps us understand the child's development at home and at school. Through the communication with these very important parties in the child's life, Embrace is able to provide individual services for each child that fit their development and needs.