Youth Program interns Nicole Neto and Ahlam Manasrah developed and facilitated an After School Activity Series for children 6 to 13 years-old. This series was held Wednesday afternoons for three weeks at the IRC office in NJ.

The purpose of this program was to provide a fun and therapeutic environment where the children could engage in interactive activities to improve their social connections, self-awareness, and identify helpful coping skills. During the first session, they made their own slime and incorporated colors to represent their feelings. The second day, the children decorated their own masks and were instructed to make the outside of the mask represent “How others see you” and the inside as “How you really feel inside/how you see yourself.” The third day, the children practiced coping techniques through the use of bubble breathing, play dough to release anger and tension, journal decorating to promote written and artistic expression, and lastly using a squishy for relaxation and stress-relief.

Overall, the children assessed their feelings, explored their inner and outer selves, and practiced different coping techniques. After each session, children had something to take home with them to remind them of what they learned through the activities, and to continue to use those creations or tools outside of the office. 

Children wear masks created during an after-school activity series.
Children wear masks created during an after-school activity series.
Photo: IRC