8.Tom is feeling very excited, because he has a massive party fo this 18th birthday in three days.

9.I go to the dentist at least twice a year, even thought I hate it.

10.My ex-girlfriend is getting married a fortnight from now. I am not going to the wedding, because she didn;t invite me.

35 questions to ask after school—instead of ‘What did you do today?’

We asked the experts and got their best suggestions.

By Colleen Temple August 21, 2017

As a parent, setting my child free into the world has given me all sorts of feelings—I’m worried. I’m relieved. I’m hopeful. I’m excited. And one of the strongest feelings I’ve had since my daughter started school is that I’m curious.

What did she do today? What kind of games did she play? Was she nice to her classmates? Her teachers? Did she offer anyone a helping hand? Did she do any of the (good) things we’ve taught her at home?

Sometimes I wish I could be a fly on the wall at her school to see what she does or how she acts when I’m not around. And see—that’s called being curious, not crazy, silly.?

But, sadly, I can’t do that. And we’re all probably better off. So instead. I ask questions. I can listen and learn. But what exactly should I be asking? What will help foster this desire in my child to share her experiences with me?

I turned to the experts to get their suggestions.

They gave me a few overall conversation tips.

1. Don’t pepper your child with questions right away.

That can be too overwhelming. They may be tired or just not really up for conversation the second they get in the car or off the bus, so just give them some time.

2. Ask them open-ended questions.

You’re more likely to get better information out of them this way—think longer stories and more descriptive explanations.

3. Chat casually with them.

If you seem to be pressuring them with wanting answers to your questions or maybe even asking the wrong types of questions—they might not be receptive to that.

4. Pause if they don’t seem to be engaging.

If when you first start chatting about their day, and they don’t seem to be engaging with you, try again later. Your timing may just be off and it’s always best then to take a break and give it a go at another time.

Next, they gave me specific questions to ask your child instead of the plain old, “How was your day?» or, “What did you do today?» questions.

Psychiatrist and bestselling author Dr. Carole Lieberman suggests:

1. What did you like best about your day today?

2. Was there anything that happened today that made you feel bad?

3. What was the most interesting thing that you learned in school today?

4. Did you make a new friend today? What’s their name? What do you like about them?

5. Is there anything you would like help with?

Eve Del Monte, LCPC of Towson Mental Health suggests:

6. What is/was your favorite thing to do during recess?

7. What’s the silliest thing that happened today?

Parenting Coach Fern Weis suggests:

8. What do you like about yourself?

9. If you could be anyone for a week, who would you be? Why?

10. What are you grateful for today?

11. What is something you would have liked to do differently today?

12. What would you change about school?

13. Who is someone at school you’d like to be friends with?

14. What makes someone a good friend?

Bestselling author and founder of Positive Parenting: Toddlers and Beyond, Rebecca Eanes suggests:

15. Who were you a helper to today?

16. Who was kind to you today?

17. What did you notice today that most people probably didn’t notice?

18. I need a laugh. Tell me something funny that happened today.

Child Development expert and founder of The Thoughtful Parent, Amy Webb suggests:

19. Who did you sit by at lunch?

20. What made you feel happy today?

21. What made you feel sad today?

22. Who did you play with today?

23. What book did you read at story time?

24. Did you learn something you’d never known before?

25. Did something surprise you today?

26. Did you do anything different today?

Bestselling author Carol Tuttle, aka The Child Whisperer, suggests:

27. What did you do in school today that you really enjoyed?

28. Who did you play with at recess?

29. What happened during lunch today?

30. What is one fun thing that happened to you today?

31. Did you have any embarrassing moments?

32. Do you feel comfortable in your classroom?

33. Did your teacher give you any compliments?

Rachel Macy Stafford, New York Times bestselling author of Hands Free Mama suggests:

34. Did you feel worried at any time in school today?

35. Did you feel scared at any time in school today?

What do you want to do after school?

«What do you want to do after school?» is a question faced by many students as they progress from high school to college and beyond. Answering this question was not easy for me. Growing up, I toyed with the idea of becoming a doctor, a teacher and a scientific researcher. It was as if I was on a pendulum swinging from one possibility to the next. However, as I began my search for the perfect major and career, one thing remained clear to me: I liked science.

Once I came to that realization, things started falling into place. After careful consideration, I decided to major in neuroscience. As I became more involved with the courses in my major, I became more convinced that this was a wise decision. Neuroscience not only allowed me to study the biological sciences in depth but also offered exposure to the psychological sciences. This diversity appealed to me.

However, even after deciding on a major, the question of what I wanted to do after school still lingered. I had a course of study that I loved, but I still needed to find a career I would be enthusiastic about after I graduated. I began considering my options, utilizing all available resources. One day, as I was reading a textbook, I discovered genetic counseling. The book’s brief description intrigued me and left me wanting to know more. I learned that genetic counseling combines medical genetics and counseling to help people understand the genetic components of disease. Genetic counselors provide risk assessment, education and support for individuals at risk for inherited conditions. The job sounded interesting, but I still had questions.

I began seeking more information from professors and career counselors at my school, who were very supportive and assisted me in whatever way they could. Eventually, I connected with a fantastic resource: the National Society of Genetics Counselors. Its website enabled me to find local genetic counselors, learn more about how to enter the field and discover available graduate programs.

Armed with knowledge about the profession, I grew more excited about this career possibility. However, a twinge of uncertainty still remained. I wanted to make certain this was the correct profession for me. One other field remained that I wanted to explore before I committed to a career in genetic counseling: laboratory research.

So I contacted a genetics professor at my university and committed to a year-long thesis project using yeast to perform a genomic survey. Although I enjoyed certain aspects of research, I discovered that I preferred working with people and that the laboratory environment did not mesh well with my personality. However, as I continued educating myself about genetic counseling, I learned that genetic counselors do have opportunities to participate in various research projects, which was comforting in case I ever wanted to have a research focus.

Making the goal a realization

Now that I was feeling more confident about my career path as a genetic counselor, I had the task of attaining that goal. I knew graduate school would be a requirement, so I researched the programs available. When I began the process of selecting a graduate program, there were approximately 25 genetic counseling programs nationwide, and each admitted, on average, five to 10 students a year. Despite the competitive nature of the programs, I was determined to reach my goal.

Most genetic counseling programs strongly encourage students to gain experience working with a practicing genetic counselor prior to the application process, so I shadowed a local genetic counselor. I was fortunate to observe her daily clinic responsibilities, including her interactions with patients, and I used these observations to further my understanding of genetic counseling. This was an invaluable experience.

Also, to strengthen my application, I gained advocacy experience. I learned that past applicants had volunteered with crisis hotlines, pregnancy centers and domestic violence shelters. As a result, I committed to a volunteer position at a local women’s clinic. This allowed me to assist with basic administrative tasks in a medical setting and offered exposure to different medical terms and clinical scenarios.

Once I confirmed that I had fulfilled all the requirements, I submitted my applications and waited. At last, several graduate programs informed me that I had been selected to continue on to the interview stage. Though this news thrilled me, I knew that the process was far from over. I had to face the next hurdle in my journey to becoming a genetic counselor: the interview.

I spent the next few months preparing for and participating in multiple graduate program interviews. The process let me gain a more detailed picture of each program I was considering by visiting and conversing with faculty and current students. I also was able to evaluate each program’s geographic location, which was an important part of considering my options, because I would need to relocate.

Once the interviews were completed, another period of waiting began. This waiting period, however, was different from the last one. This time I was waiting for a specific day to come: match day. I learned that match day was the day when final acceptance decisions were disclosed to each applicant. On that day I would learn if I was accepted, waitlisted or rejected from the programs to which I had applied. The suspense surrounding the date was high, and I tried to keep myself busy by focusing on coursework and clearing my schedule for match day. I wanted be available to receive the news from each program as it came in.

When match day finally arrived, I learned that I had either been accepted or waitlisted at several programs. Everything began to fall into place. I completed my undergraduate degree, and, with the wheels now in motion, I began making preparations to relocate for graduate school.

The final steps to the beginning of a career

Transition from undergraduate to graduate school was not simple, and there were moments when the course load felt overwhelming, but the presence of a strong support group consisting of family, friends, classmates and faculty helped to make the transition easier. However, the initial question still remained: What would I do once I finished school?

Genetic counseling as a profession is quite diverse, offering multiple subspecialties. Some of the more commonly associated areas include prenatal, pediatric and cancer counseling. However, genetic counselors work in many other capacities, such as research and policy development. Based on my experiences in graduate school and my own career requirements, I was able to narrow down my options. In the end, I decided to apply for a job in a prenatal clinic.

Being new to genetic counseling, this seemed like a good fit on multiple levels: It would afford me the opportunity to see a variety of clinical scenarios while working in an environment that was complementary to my personality. It would also allow me to participate in various educational opportunities by attending conferences and teaching.

I still can recall sitting in my apartment the day I received the phone call offering me the position. It felt great to know that, after all the hard work of preparing for this day, it had finally come. I accepted the position with the understanding that I would still need to take and pass the genetic counseling certification examination.

Looking back on the experience, I can appreciate how each step was necessary in my development into a competent genetic counselor. I now work with families, assisting them in comprehending and coping with potential genetic diagnoses. It is rewarding to be able to support the families during challenging times in their lives. After all the time spent on the proverbial pendulum, I am happy to be able to say that I am working in the field of my choice and have begun the first job of the rest of my career.

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Тема: What do you do after school?

Тип урока: Закрепление

1) Практическая:
 активизировать в речи учащихся лексику по теме «What do you do after school?»
 тренировать учащихся в употреблении Present Simple.

2) Развивающая:
 развивать мышление, память, составлять высказывания на английском языке.

3) Воспитательная:
 учить слушать друг друга, работать в паре и группе.

 развивать монологическую устную речь с иcпользованием лексики «Free time»
 учить правильному общению на английском языке.

 учебник
 рабочая тетрадь
 карточки со словами-сигналами.

I. Мотивационный этап.
Приветствие! Hello children! How are you today? I am fine. I am Ok. What lessons have you got today? What was the first lesson? What lesson we have got now? Do you like to speak English? If you like. Let’s speak about free time. Can you explain? What is free time? You know. The theme of our lesson is what do you do after school?

II. Операционный этап.
1. Reading. Look at the blackboard and see signals always, never, often, seldom, sometimes, usually. They will help us to use Present Simple.
Read and translate the signals.
2. Phonetic exercises on the base of the poem. First read in a whisper. Then read to each other.
What do you do after school?
I come home!
What do you do after dinner?
I have a rest!
And what do you do after rest?
I always play outside!

3. Speaking. P1 P2 P3 Pair work. Now let’s ask each other questions about time after school. Open your books at page 18 ex. 1a. Ask and answer.

4. Reading. We know what you do after school. Now, let’s read about Kate. What Kate does. Open your books at page 18 ex. 1b.
Read one by one. (Учащиеся читают текст по одному предложению).

5. Auding. Answer teacher’s questions about Kate.
1. How often does Kate walk home?
2. How often does she read before bedtime?
3. How often does she eat fruit?
4. How often does she play outside?
5. How often does she play on a computer?
P1 P2 P3

6. Writing practice. So you know, what Kate does. Now, Write about you! Open your Activity Books at p. 18 ex. 2.
Read and write true or not! Then write about you.

7. Group work. (Speaking and writing). Come back to our signals. Choose any you like and make sentences with them. (Учащиеся выбирают слова-сигналы и составляют с ними предложения).

III. Рефлексия.
1. So, we come to the end of our lesson. Tell me please. Do you like time after school? What do you do after school?
2. Home task: Activity Book ex. 3 p. 19
3. The lesson is over. You may be free. Thank you! Good buy!

SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips

What Should High School Students Do After School?

High school students have a lot of options for what they can do once the school day ends: they can study, do homework, participate in a sport, watch TV, work at a job, play video games, attend a club meeting and more. Some of these activities are more useful and productive than others, and spending your time after school wisely can help you become better prepared for college and the rest of your future.

Whether you’re a student or a parent, read on to learn about the benefits afterschool activities can have and which are the best ones for high schools students to participate in.

Benefits of Afterschool Activities

Afterschool activities refer to any organized program that students participate in once the school day has finished. While after school activities vary widely, they can have many similar benefits. Below are some of the most common.

Become a Better Student

Students who participate in after school activities often perform better in class compared to those who don’t participate in them. A study conducted in 2011 showed that high school students who attend after school programs are less likely to drop out, have better attendance records, and have a more positive attitude towards school. They also often had an increase in their GPA and standardized test scores, so participating in an afterschool program can raise your grades!

Improvements in grades were seen regardless of what type of afterschool program the student participated in, so you don’t necessarily have to be in an academic afterschool activity to get this benefit, sports and clubs work just as well.

Afterschool activities can also increase your chances of being accepted to college because you can include your participation in these activities on your college applications. Colleges love to see students who were involved in high school, and participating in an afterschool activity is a great way to show your interests and academic motivation.

Learn New Skills

Afterschool activities can also teach you new skills and hobbies or allow you to continue current activities you enjoy. These can be hobbies you do for your own personal interest, or you can also choose to participate in afterschool activities that give you skills that will be useful for college and future careers.

For example, if you are interested in being a doctor, you can be a part of your school’s Science Olympiad team or volunteer at a hospital. Because there are so many afterschool activities available, there’s a good chance you can find one that matches your interests.

Meet New People

One of the most popular reasons to participate in after school activities is that they give you an opportunity to spend time with your friends as well as make new ones. Participating in the same activity as someone else often means you have a shared interest, such as volunteering or playing a sport, and that can make it easier to become friends because you already know you have something in common.

Safety

Afterschool activities can also increase student safety by giving you a supervised environment to be in after school. If your parents are worried about you being on your own before they come home from work, an afterschool activity can put their mind at ease while allowing you to participate in something you enjoy.

Much like this crossing guard, afterschool activities can help keep students safe.

Read on to learn about different types of afterschool activities you can participate in.

Types of Afterschool Activities

Below are five of the most common and productive ways for high school students to spend their time after school. I’ve included a short description for each one, along with any particular benefits it offers and some common examples.

Traditional Afterschool Programs

Afterschool programs were originally designed as a way for younger students to be supervised while their parents were at work, but with the benefits of these programs becoming more apparent, they have expanded to cover high school students and include a variety of activities. Today, roughly 2 million high school students participate in afterschool programs in the US.

Some of these programs are less structured and simply offer a place for you to study or receive homework help, while others offer activities and sports you can participate in, similar to a school club or sports team. There are also many special interest afterschool programs available now, focusing on topics as varied as preparing for college, doing volunteer work, or learning a new language.

Because these programs are so varied, they can have numerous benefits. Many provide tutoring and homework help that you can use if you are struggling in school or just need some help in a certain subject. These programs are often designed to encourage teamwork and group activities, so they can also be a great place to make friends. They also often have mentors who can teach you new things and give you advice when your parents are not around.

Examples: Your high school may offer its own afterschool programs, or it may be affiliated with one or more national programs, such as those listed below:

Sports

Sports are a common afterschool activity for high school students to participate in. Many students enjoy being part of a team, feeling a sense of competition, and being active. These can be sports teams through your school, such as the school football or soccer team, or they can be club sports or community teams.

Examples: Common high school sports include football, basketball, soccer, baseball, softball, hockey, swimming, cross country, and tennis. Less common sports include karate, fencing, skiing, and horseback riding.

Clubs

Joining a club is a great way to gain a new interest or continue to pursue an interest or activity you already enjoy. There is a huge variety of clubs available, and your high school likely offers a large number of clubs to choose from. Besides giving you the opportunity to spend more time on a particular interest or hobby, joining a club can also give you leadership experience if you choose to organize a new event or become a club officer.

Examples: There are clubs that cover nearly every interest, from writing club, to math team, to a painting group. Your school’s website or student handbook will likely have a list of all the available clubs; if not, ask your academic adviser about club offerings. If your school doesn’t offer a club you’re interested in, you can also start your own. Check out our guide to starting your own high school club!

Job/Internship

If you are looking for a way to earn money or gain experience to include on your resume and college applications, getting a job or an internship can be a great way to spend your time after school. Getting a part-time job as a high school student can help you gain new skills and become more responsible, as well as earn some spending money.

Internships can be a great way to get experience more directly related to a future career you’d like to have, but be aware that it can be difficult for high school students to get an internship, and many of them are unpaid.

Examples: Common jobs for high school students include babysitting, working at a grocery store, being a waiter/waitress, tutoring, and working as a sales associate. Many places now offer internships, from a large business to your local museum. To learn more, check out our guides on the 8 best jobs for high school students and how to get an internship as a high school student.

Volunteer Work

If there is an issue that you care about or a group of people you’d like to help, then volunteering can be an excellent after school activity. Volunteering is a great way to spend time helping others or working on a cause you’re passionate about. Many organizations accept volunteers, so you are likely to find a volunteer opportunity that interests you.

You can also use your volunteer work as experience on your resume and college applications, and it can be a good (albeit non-payed) alternative if you can’t find a job or internship that you find interesting.

Examples: There are a wide variety of places where you can perform volunteer work or community service. Check out our guide on the 9 best places to do community service as well as 129 great community service project ideas.

How to Get Involved

Now that you know some of the best ways to spend your time after school, you can begin thinking about what activities you’d like to get involved in. Follow the steps below to help choose the best activities for you.

1. Think About Your Interests

Afterschool activities are much more enjoyable when they’re focused on something you care about, so start by making a list of your interests. This can include your favorite classes, hobbies you enjoy, sports you’ve wanted to try, or what you plan on studying in college.

What do I like to do?

2. See What Your School Offers

The next step is to see if your school offers any afterschool activities that align with your interests. Check your student handbook or the school’s website to see if they list the clubs, sports, and other activities they offer. If you need more help, ask your guidance counselor. You can also ask your friends if they are a part of any afterschool programs that they enjoy and would recommend.

3. Look for Other Activities in Your Community

While participating in afterschool activities through your school is often easier because you don’t have to travel to get there and you likely know some people already, your community may also have great opportunities for you to spend your time after school, such as part-time jobs or volunteer work.

Your adviser or your school’s career services may be able to help you find opportunities, but you can also ask around your community. Check job boards or your town hall, or you can also contact places where you’d like to work or volunteer directly.

4. Consider Logistics

Before you join any afterschool activities, you should think about how much time you’ll be able to devote to them. Afterschool activities can be a great way to have fun and strengthen your college application, but they shouldn’t come at the expense of your academics.

Think about how much time your afterschool activities will require and how much time you’ll have to devote to them. If you’re unsure about the time commitment for a certain activity, ask the coach or supervisor for an estimate. Don’t sign up for more activities than you have time for because doing so will only cause you to feel stressed out and could cause your grades to suffer as well.

If you have trouble motivating yourself to study or complete your schoolwork, you may want to consider participating in an afterschool program that offers tutoring and academic guidance. Popular programs include the Boys and Girls Clubs of America and After-School All-Stars, or your school may offer its own program. These programs are great for anyone looking to improve their academics, and they can be particularly helpful for freshman who are just getting used to high school workloads.

Bottom Line

As a high school student, there are many ways you can spend your time after school, but some activities are more productive and beneficial than others. Look for activities that you will enjoy and that will give you useful skills and experience in order to best prepare yourself for college and the future.

What’s Next?

Interested in learning more about community service? Check out our guide on what community service is and how it can benefit you.

Trying to decide if you should get a job? Read our guide to the pros and cons of getting a job as a teen.

Want to find the perfect extracurricular for you? Check out our list of hundreds of extracurricular activities for high school students.

Want to improve your SAT score by 160 points or your ACT score by 4 points? We’ve written a guide for each test about the top 5 strategies you must be using to have a shot at improving your score. Download it for free now:

Have friends who also need help with test prep? Share this article!

Christine graduated from Michigan State University with degrees in Environmental Biology and Geography and received her Master’s from Duke University. In high school she scored in the 99th percentile on the SAT and was named a National Merit Finalist. She has taught English and biology in several countries.

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