How to Run an Effective After-School Program (The Busy Minds Way!)
By Michelle Faber, Founder of Busy Minds Education® & Little Yogis Academy®
Hey Changemakers! 👋
Let’s talk about one of the most important parts of what we do — afterschool programs.
Whether you’re running Little Yogis, DanceFit, Play Gym, Slime Squad, or any of our other Busy Minds programs, afterschool classes are where we make a lasting impression. Kids are tired, excited, hungry, and sometimes bouncing off the walls — so your ability to manage energy, set the tone, and create fun structure makes all the difference.
Let’s walk through what it looks like to run an amazing afterschool class, step by step, the Busy Minds way.
Arrive Early — Always!
If your class starts at 3:45 PM, aim to arrive no later than 3:15 PM. This gives you time to:
Check in at the school office.
Sign in (if required).
Find your classroom, gym, or multipurpose space.
Set up your materials and props.
⏰ Arriving early helps you start calm — not rushed. It also makes a great impression on school staff, who often decide whether to invite us back based on professionalism and preparedness!
Look the Part
Remember — you represent Busy Minds Education® and Little Yogis Academy®.
Make sure you’re wearing your uniform t-shirt and name badge, with your hair tied back and a friendly smile. A professional, polished look builds trust with parents, teachers, and administrators — and it makes you feel confident too!
And don’t forget your voice amplifier (especially for gyms and large groups!). It ensures every child can hear you clearly, without you having to shout.
Set Up the Space
Your environment matters!
Create a space that’s calm, safe, and fun:
Lay out yoga circles or mats in a large circle (or rows for DanceFit).
Place any props you’ll need (breathing balls, scarves, cones, craft supplies) nearby.
Keep your bag, water, and clipboard organized at your “teacher station.”
Put on some calm background music as the kids enter — it sets the vibe right away.
Pro tip: Kids notice when the space feels special. The more intentional your setup looks, the more they respect the class!
Gathering Your Students
Schools handle this differently, so always check in advance.
Sometimes a staff member will bring the kids to you; other times, you’ll pick them up from classrooms or the main office. Be proactive!
Know exactly where and how to collect them.
Greet them by name with a big smile.
Keep the walk calm and organized — “Yoga line!” or “Follow the leader!” works wonders.
Once you arrive in your room, start right away with something engaging — like a breathing ball exercise or a quick game to grab their attention.
Master Behavior Management
Here’s the reality: afterschool = tired brains + leftover energy. 😅
Kids aren’t trying to be “bad” — they’re often overstimulated or testing boundaries. Your tone, structure, and consistency are key.
💡 Michelle’s golden rules:
Keep your tone calm, not loud.
Give positive attention to the kids who are following directions. (“I love how Alex is sitting criss-cross and ready to listen!”)
Use clear routines — start the same way every time.
If a student needs redirection, try proximity first (walk closer and make eye contact).
Always stay kind but firm — remember, you’re the leader.
Bring the Energy (and the Calm!)
Afterschool programs should feel like the highlight of a child’s day.
Balance your class with:
High-energy activities (games, movement, dance).
Mindful wind-downs (yoga poses, deep breaths, reflection).
The contrast keeps kids engaged — and parents love seeing their children leave class both happy and calm.
Wrap Up Like a Pro
End every class on a positive note:
Reflect together (“What was your favorite part today?”).
Encourage gratitude or mindfulness (“Let’s take one deep breath together before we go.”).
Help them gather their belongings calmly.
Wait with them until they’re safely picked up or dismissed as instructed.
And of course, leave your space cleaner than you found it. Schools notice that!
Keep Learning — Take Our Micro-Course!
Want to level up your afterschool teaching game?
We’ve created a brand-new Micro Course: “Running an Afterschool Program the Busy Minds Way” — designed just for you! 🎓
You’ll learn how to:
Manage large groups effectively.
Communicate with school staff.
Handle challenging behaviors with confidence.
Make your classes fun, structured, and unforgettable.
👉 Click here to take the Micro Course — it’s short, practical, and guaranteed to make your classes smoother (and more fun!).
💬 Final Thoughts
Every afterschool program is an opportunity to wow kids, schools, and parents. When you show up early, look professional, use your voice amp, create a calm setup, and bring your best energy, you’re not just teaching — you’re creating moments that matter.
You’ve got this, superstar! 🌟
Now go out there, lead with confidence, and make your next afterschool class the best one yet.