The Junior Age

Category: Education

The Impact of After-School Programs on Child Development

After-school hours are a golden window of opportunity for your child. Making the most of this time is how you give that additional exposure to your child beyond what they are being taught at school. Young children are constantly brimming with curiosity and energy and enrolling them in the right after-school program is the best decision you will ever make for them. 

The impact of after-school programs on your child is unbelievable. You can use these extra hours after school and convert them into a time for growth, joy, and discovery to help your child shine.

What is an After-school Program?

An after-school program is more than an activity for your child. It is a structured program designed in a safe environment to give your child the extra skills and knowledge they need in their zone of interest. 

Think of these programs as an extension of your child’s school day. These programs are designed ranging from academic support to recreational and fun activities. They also allow your child to build new passions and important life skills. 

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Types of After-School Programs

  • Educational Activities: If you feel your child needs that extra attention with his studies or wants to learn more about his favorite subject, you can pick educational activities that various centres offer. These activities are an extension of what your child is being taught in school already and it is taught to them in a fun way. The after-school program by Klay is a great option that you can look into for your kids. It encourages curiosity and collaboration through hands-on activities, helping kids develop a genuine love for learning.
  • Recreational Activities: Whether it’s learning to play the guitar, joining a soccer team, or trying their hand at painting, sometimes you need to just let your child loose and allow them to have fun. These activities allow children to imagine and be more creative while they have the time of their lives. 
  • Society-Oriented Activities (Community Service and Volunteer Programs): The impact of after-school programs on your child will leave them with amazing life lessons. They teach your child to give back and be empathetic. From food drives to helping at an old age home to even cleaning a public park, all of these activities teach your children to stay humble and grounded. They will understand that even small actions make a big difference. It will give them a sense of purpose and connection to their community.
Image Credit- childrenscornergroup.com

The Impact of Afterschool Programs

Wondering how your child will benefit from these after-school programs? Here are the advantages: 

  • Boosting Academic Skills and Curiosity: Academic programs spark curiosity and interest in your child. Once they understand concepts, you will see them coming home all excited about a science or a math project, telling you how something works, instead of finding it a burden. These programs encourage your child to think critically, laying a strong foundation for lifelong learning.  
  • Nurturing Emotional and Social Growth: After-school programs are an excellent place for your child to make friends and form relationships. Children learn to understand their feelings through these programs. Their interactions with their peers and teachers, make them emotionally independent and strong which will serve as the core of their emotions all their life. 

  • Cultivating Resilience and Determination: After-school programs teach your child resilience and grit. Life is not always easy and these programs in their way teach your child to be a strong individual. Be it dealing with a lost match or solving a tricky puzzle. Your child will learn to make their way in life through these activities. 

  • Encouraging Physical Activity:  From dancing to playing a sport, there are a lot of options you can pick from for your child. All these activities will help them work out physically in some way, and regular physical activity will help them boost their mood, stay fit, and focus better in school. 

  • Discovering New Passions and Hobbies: When your child discovers something they like, the excitement in their eyes is different. After-school programs are a way to let your child try out activities that they may never end up trying otherwise. From coding to playing sports, anything can turn into a lifelong passion for your baby. —even for preschool learners exploring early interests.

  • Building Self-Esteem and Confidence: A smile on a child’s face after they win something or accomplish something is priceless. After-school programs encourage your child by celebrating their small successes. This makes your child feel important and builds their confidence. 

  • Developing Independence and Practical Skills: Managing time, solving problems, and making decisions are skills every child needs. Your child will turn into a more capable and independent person with these activities as they promote these skills on a daily basis. 

  • Promoting Teamwork and Collaboration: Being a team player is a skill everyone should have. It is not easy but necessary. After-school programs encourage your child to share ideas and work along with others. Your little one will learn to listen more attentively and be able to work with others better to achieve a goal, and this will benefit them in every stage of life. 

  • Embracing Diversity and Cultural Awareness: The world is intertwined today and you can be considered backward amongst other things if you do not respect and have awareness about the diversity of different cultures. There are a lot of after-school programs that celebrate diversity, and help kids develop an inclusive mindset and respect for others.

  • Learning to Resolve Conflicts When in Groups:  When you work with others, disagreements are bound to happen. It is how you handle them which is important. After-school programs teach your child grace, they learn how to resolve conflicts, communicate effectively, and build positive relationships with their peers.

After-school programs are a stepping stone for your child’s future success. Your child will grow academically, socially, and personally. You are not just keeping your child’s schedule busy, but by choosing the right program you are helping them become confident and social. So, leap and explore these programs for your child. You’ll be amazed at the difference they can make.

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Author Bio:

Chitra Khanna is the Content Strategist at KLAY Preschools & Daycare, where she leads content creation focused on early childhood education and parenting. With a background in digital marketing and a passion for empowering families, Chitra develops resources that engage and inform parents, helping them navigate the critical stages of their children’s development. Her creative approach and deep understanding of educational trends ensure that her content is both relevant and impactful. Outside of work, Chitra enjoys exploring new learning methodologies and contributing to discussions on child welfare and growth.



Human Ears Can Move To Hear Better

Even though you probably don’t realise it, your ears try to move when you’re really trying to listen to something! Scientists in Germany did a study and found that tiny muscles in our ears twitch when we’re concentrating on a sound, especially if it’s hard to hear.

 

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It’s like your ears are trying to point towards the sound to hear it better, just like animals do! Previously, scientists thought the muscle used to wiggle your ears was essentially useless. The scientists think this is because way, way back in time, our ancestors could actually move their ears to focus on sounds. But over millions of years, we lost that ability. 

 

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However, the brain signals that tell our ears to move are still there! The lead scientist called it a “neural fossil”, like a leftover bit of our ancient brains. To prove this, they played audiobooks to a group of adults, and the scientists made the task easier or harder by playing podcasts at the same time. The team found that the ear muscles were more active when people had to work harder to listen. Even though most people can’t wiggle their ears on purpose, the study shows our brains still remember how to try! It’s like a secret superpower your ears have, even if you don’t know it!

 

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Amrit Udyan A Garden Fit For A President Everyone

Have you ever wondered what the President of India’s house looks like on the inside? Well, part of it is absolutely stunning – it’s called Amrit Udyan, a huge and beautiful garden spread over 15 acres! It’s so special that it’s often called the “heart” of Rashtrapati Bhavan. Imagine acres of lush greenery, colourful flowers, and perfectly manicured lawns.

 

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Images Credit-queenoftreasures.com

Amrit Udyan isn’t just one garden; it’s like a collection of different gardens, each with its own charm. Want to visit this amazing place? You can! It’s open to the public at certain times of the year. It’s like getting a VIP pass to a magical world! It’s a good idea to book your visit online to avoid waiting in line. 

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You’ll need a mobile phone to do this, and you can book for up to 30 people at once – perfect for a family outing or a school trip! And if you visit between March 6th and 9th, 2025, you’re in for a special treat! Rashtrapati Bhavan is hosting “Vividhta Ka Amrit Mahotsav,” a festival celebrating the culture and traditions of South India. It’s like a cultural party in a beautiful garden!

Get Know everything about India, Buy This Amazing Exploring India Flashcards.

 

The Exceptional Children Of India : Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar

Recently, President Droupadi Murmu presented the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar to 17 super-talented children (ten girls and seven boys) from all over India. These aren’t your average kids – they’re like mini-superheroes in their own way!

 

These awards are a big deal, given to kids who’ve done amazing things in fields like art and culture, sports, innovation, science and technology, social service, environment and even bravery. President Droupadi Murmu said that these kids are super inspiring and that their patriotism gives her hope for India’s future. She also reminded everyone that it’s important to support and celebrate young talent so they can reach their full potential.

 

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Image Credit:pmindia.gov.in

Here Are The Awesome Winners:

Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar In Child Bravery

  • Saurav Kumar: A 9-year-old saved three girls from drowning.
  • Karina Thapa: 17-year-old saved 36 residents from a fire.
  • Kisen Wanniang: 15-year-old saved four children from drowning.

Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar In Innovation

  • Risheek Kumar: At 17, he launched Kashmir’s very first cybersecurity Company.
  • Sindhoora Raja: Only 15, she invented self-stabilising devices for people with Parkinson’s disease.

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Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar In Sports 

  • Hembati Nag: A 15-year-old judo player who won a silver medal at the Khelo India National Games in 2022.
  • Anish Sarkar: A chess prodigy, who was the youngest FIDE-ranked player at just three years old!
  • Arav Bhardwaj: A 12-year-old cyclist who completed a 1,251 km journey from Kargil War Memorial to India gate to commemorate Kargil Vijay Diwas in 2024 on a cycle.
  • Priteesmita Bhoi: A 15-year-old weightlifter who set a world record in the clean and jerk category with a gold at the IWF World Youth Championships 2024.
  • Saanvi Sood: A 9-year-old who became the youngest Asian girl to summit Mount Kilimanjaro and to reach Everest Base Camp.
  • Jessy Raj Mathrapu: A 14-year-old artistic skater who has won more than 43 medals including gold at the World Skate Oceania Artistic Championship.
  • Goldi Kumari: 16-year-old shot put player who has won many national and state competitions.

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Image Credit: X.com (@rashtrapatibhvn)

Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar In Art And Culture

  • Keya Hatkar: A 14-year-old author and disability advocate, who’s rocking the art and culture scene.
  • Vyas Om Jignesh: A 17-year-old with cerebral palsy, who has memorised over 5,000 Sanskrit shlokas.
  • Ayaan Sajad: A 12-year-old Sufi singer from Kashmir.
  • Janane Narayanan: A 14-year-old Harikatha artist and Carnatic music student.
  • Sanchi Aggarwal: 8-year-old expert in Kathak, semi-classical dance, Shastri dance, and Sanskrit Shlokas, who holds two international records.

About The Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar

The Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar is given by the Union Ministry of Women and Child Development. The award was instituted by the Government of India in 1996.

 

Also read Padma Awards 2025

Padma Awards 2025: Complete List of Padma Vibhushan, Bhushan, and Shri Awardees 2025

The Padma Awards are given in three categories: Padma Vibhushan (for exceptional and distinguished service), Padma Bhushan (for distinguished service of a higher level), and Padma Shri (for distinguished service). These awards recognize achievements in various fields that have made a positive impact on public service.


List of Padma Awardees 2025: The Padma Awards are given based on suggestions from a special committee chosen by the Prime Minister every year. These awards are announced on the evening of Republic Day and are presented by the President of India.


Also, read Republic Day 2025: Highlights and Number of Tableaux

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List of awardees of Padma Vibhushan in 2025:

S.NoNameFieldState/Country
1Shri Duvvur Nageshwar ReddyMedicineTelangana
2Justice (Retd.) Shri Jagdish Singh KheharPublic AffairsChandigarh
3Smt. Kumudini Rajnikant LakhiaArtGujarat
4Shri LakshminarayanaSubramaniamArtKarnataka
5Shri M. T. Vasudevan Nair (Posthumous)Literature and EducationKerala
6Shri Osamu Suzuki (Posthumous)Trade and IndustryJapan
7Smt. Sharda Sinha (Posthumous)ArtBihar

List of awardees of Padma Bhushan in 2025:

S.NoNameFieldState/Country
1Shri A Surya PrakashLiterature and Education-JournalismKarnataka
2Shri Anant NagArtKarnataka
3Shri Bibek Debroy(Posthumous)Literature and EducationNCT Delhi
4Shri Jatin GoswamiArtAssam
5Shri Jose Chacko PeriappuramMedicineKerala
6Shri Kailash Nath DikshitOthers-ArchaeologyNCT Delhi
7Shri Manohar Joshi(Posthumous)Public AffairsMaharashtra
8Shri Nalli Kuppuswami ChettiTrade and IndustryTamil Nadu
9Shri Nandamuri BalakrishnaArtAndhra Pradesh
10Shri P R SreejeshSportsKerala
11Shri Pankaj PatelTrade and IndustryGujarat
12Shri Pankaj Udhas(Posthumous)ArtMaharashtra
13Shri Rambahadur RaiLiterature and Education-JournalismUttar Pradesh
14Sadhvi RitambharaSocial WorkUttar Pradesh
15Shri S Ajith KumarArtTamil Nadu
16Shri Shekhar KapurArtMaharashtra
17Ms. Shobana ChandrakumarArtTamil Nadu
18Shri Sushil Kumar Modi(Posthumous)Public AffairsBihar
19Shri Vinod DhamScience and EngineeringUnited States of America

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List of awardees of Padma Shri in 2025:

S.NoNameFieldState/Country
1Shri Adwaita Charan GadanayakArtOdisha
2Shri Achyut Ramchandra PalavArtMaharashtra
3Shri Ajay V BhattScience and EngineeringUnited States of America
4Shri Anil Kumar BoroLiterature and EducationAssam
5Shri Arijit SinghArtWest Bengal
6Smt. Arundhati BhattacharyaTrade and IndustryMaharashtra
7Shri Arunoday SahaLiterature and EducationTripura
8Shri Arvind SharmaLiterature and EducationCanada
9Shri Ashok Kumar MahapatraMedicineOdisha
10Shri Ashok Laxman SarafArtMaharashtra
11Shri Ashutosh SharmaScience and EngineeringUttar Pradesh
12Smt. Ashwini Bhide DeshpandeArtMaharashtra
13Shri Baijnath MaharajOthers-SpiritualismRajasthan
14Shri Barry Godfray JohnArtNCT Delhi
15Smt. Begam BatoolArtRajasthan
16Shri Bharat GuptArtNCT Delhi
17Shri Bheru Singh ChouhanArtMadhya Pradesh
18Shri Bhim Singh BhaveshSocial WorkBihar
19Smt. Bhimavva Doddabalappa ShillekyatharaArtKarnataka
20Shri Budhendra Kumar JainMedicineMadhya Pradesh
21Shri C S VaidyanathanPublic AffairsNCT Delhi
22Shri Chaitram Deochand PawarSocial WorkMaharashtra
23Shri Chandrakant Sheth(Posthumous)Literature and EducationGujarat
24Shri Chandrakant SompuraOthers-ArchitectureGujarat
25Shri Chetan E ChitnisScience and EngineeringFrance
26Shri David R SyiemliehLiterature and EducationMeghalaya
27Shri Durga Charan RanbirArtOdisha
28Shri Farooq Ahmad MirArtJammu And Kashmir
29Shri Ganeshwar Shastri DravidLiterature and EducationUttar Pradesh
30Smt. Gita UpadhyayLiterature and EducationAssam
31Shri Gokul Chandra DasArtWest Bengal
32Shri Guruvayur DoraiArtTamil Nadu
33Shri Harchandan Singh BhattyArtMadhya Pradesh
34Shri Hariman SharmaOthers-AgricultureHimachal Pradesh
35Shri Harjinder Singh Srinagar WaleArtPunjab
36Shri Harvinder SinghSportsHaryana
37Shri Hassan RaghuArtKarnataka
38Shri Hemant KumarMedicineBihar
39Shri Hriday Narayan DixitLiterature and EducationUttar Pradesh
40Shri Hugh and Colleen Gantzer(Posthumous)(Duo)*Literature and Education-JournalismUttarakhand
41Shri Inivalappil Mani VijayanSportsKerala
42Shri Jagadish JoshilaLiterature and EducationMadhya Pradesh
43Smt. Jaspinder NarulaArtMaharashtra
44Shri Jonas MasettiOthers-SpiritualismBrazil
45Shri Joynacharan BathariArtAssam
46Smt. Jumde Yomgam GamlinSocial WorkArunachal Pradesh
47Shri K. DamodaranOthers-CulinaryTamil Nadu
48Shri K L KrishnaLiterature and EducationAndhra Pradesh
49Smt. K Omanakutty AmmaArtKerala
50Shri Kishore Kunal(Posthumous)Civil ServiceBihar
51Shri L HangthingOthers-AgricultureNagaland
52Shri Lakshmipathy RamasubbaiyerLiterature and Education-JournalismTamil Nadu
53Shri Lalit Kumar MangotraLiterature and EducationJammu And Kashmir
54Shri Lama Lobzang(Posthumous)Others-SpiritualismLadakh
55Smt. Libia Lobo SardesaiSocial WorkGoa
56Shri M D SrinivasScience and EngineeringTamil Nadu
57Shri Madugula Nagaphani SarmaArtAndhra Pradesh
58Shri Mahabir NayakArtJharkhand
59Smt. Mamata ShankarArtWest Bengal
60Shri Manda Krishna MadigaPublic AffairsTelangana
61Shri Maruti Bhujangrao ChitampalliLiterature and EducationMaharashtra
62Shri Miriyala Apparao(Posthumous)ArtAndhra Pradesh
63Shri Nagendra Nath RoyLiterature and EducationWest Bengal
64Shri Narayan (Bhulai Bhai)(Posthumous)Public AffairsUttar Pradesh
65Shri Naren GurungArtSikkim
66Smt. Neerja BhatlaMedicineNCT Delhi
67Smt. Nirmala DeviArtBihar
68Shri Nitin NohriaLiterature and EducationUnited States of America
69Shri Onkar Singh PahwaTrade and IndustryPunjab
70Shri P DatchanamoorthyArtPuducherry
71Shri Pandi Ram MandaviArtChhattisgarh
72Shri Parmar Lavjibhai NagjibhaiArtGujarat
73Shri Pawan GoenkaTrade and IndustryWest Bengal
74Shri Prashanth PrakashTrade and IndustryKarnataka
75Smt. Pratibha SatpathyLiterature and EducationOdisha
76Shri Purisai Kannappa SambandanArtTamil Nadu
77Shri R AshwinSportsTamil Nadu
78Shri R G ChandramoganTrade and IndustryTamil Nadu
79Smt. Radha Bahin BhattSocial WorkUttarakhand
80Shri Radhakrishnan DevasenapathyArtTamil Nadu
81Shri Ramdarash MishraLiterature and EducationNCT Delhi
82Shri Ranendra Bhanu MajumdarArtMaharashtra
83Shri Ratan Kumar ParimooArtGujarat
84Shri Reba Kanta MahantaArtAssam
85Shri Renthlei LalrawnaLiterature and EducationMizoram
86Shri Ricky Gyan KejArtKarnataka
87Shri Sajjan BhajankaTrade and IndustryWest Bengal
88Smt. Sally HolkarTrade and IndustryMadhya Pradesh
89Shri Sant Ram DeswalLiterature and EducationHaryana
90Shri Satyapal SinghSportsUttar Pradesh
91Shri Seeni ViswanathanLiterature and EducationTamil Nadu
92Shri Sethuraman PanchanathanScience and EngineeringUnited States of America
93Smt. Sheikha Shaikha Ali Al-Jaber Al-SabahMedicineKuwait
94Shri Sheen Kaaf Nizam (Shiv Kishan Bissa)Literature and EducationRajasthan
95Shri Shyam Bihari AgrawalArtUttar Pradesh
96Smt. Soniya NityanandMedicineUttar Pradesh
97Shri Stephen KnappLiterature and EducationUnited States of America
98Shri Subhash Khetulal SharmaOthers-AgricultureMaharashtra
99Shri Suresh Harilal SoniSocial WorkGujarat
100Shri Surinder Kumar VasalScience and EngineeringDelhi
101Shri Swami Pradiptananda (Kartik Maharaj)Others-SpiritualismWest Bengal
102Shri Syed Ainul HasanLiterature and EducationUttar Pradesh
103Shri Tejendra Narayan MajumdarArtWest Bengal
104Smt. Thiyam Suryamukhi DeviArtManipur
105Shri Tushar Durgeshbhai ShuklaLiterature and EducationGujarat
106Shri Vadiraj Raghawendracharya PanchamukhiLiterature and EducationAndhra Pradesh
107Shri Vasudeo KamathArtMaharashtra
108Shri Velu AasaanArtTamil Nadu
109Shri Venkappa Ambaji SugatekarArtKarnataka
110Shri Vijay Nityanand Surishwar Ji MaharajOthers-SpiritualismBihar
111Smt. Vijayalakshmi DeshamaneMedicineKarnataka
112Shri Vilas DangreMedicineMaharashtra
113Shri Vinayak LohaniSocial WorkWest Bengal

Note: * In Duo’s case, the Award is counted as one.

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