How to Strengthen Human Skills in Out-of-School Time Settings

School is where kids pick up most of their academic knowledge, but what happens when they’re not in the classroom? Out-of-school time—whether it’s before school, after school, during breaks, or over the summer—presents a unique opportunity to empower kids with the human skills they need to succeed. In out-of-school time settings, kids can continue to hone essential human skills like empathy, emotion regulation, communication, collaboration, and conflict resolution. These skills are key to helping them thrive both in school and in life.

Why human skills matter

Human skills are so much more than just “nice-to-haves”—they’re vital building blocks for navigating life’s challenges, building meaningful relationships, and achieving success in and out of the classroom. Research shows that programs focused on strengthening human skills lead to increased self-esteem, optimism, and well-being as well as reduced emotional distress and behavioral issues.

These skills don’t just impact a child’s emotional growth—they also influence how well they do in school. Studies show that kids who participate in human skills programs experience improved academic achievement, better peer relationships, and a more positive school climate. These skills make a difference in how students manage school challenges, engage with peers and teachers, and contribute to a positive learning environment.

Human skills set the foundation for not only excelling in the classroom but also succeeding in life.

Strengthening human skills in after-school programs

So, how do we teach human skills when kids are outside of the classroom? That’s where after-school and out-of-school programs come in. These settings offer the chance to facilitate activities that teach and reinforce these essential skills. Here are some ways we can help kids strengthen human skills during their time outside of the classroom.

Foster community and belonging

Building a strong sense of community in after-school programs helps kids feel supported and safe. You can foster this by organizing group-building activities—think collaborative art projects, team challenges, or group discussions.

One idea is to start each session with a sharing circle, where kids talk about something positive they experienced that day. That simple activity could help kids bond, develop empathy, and practice expressing their feelings in a healthy way.

Growth mindset activities

When kids see challenges as opportunities to grow rather than setbacks, they’re more likely to persevere through tough situations—whether it’s a challenging school assignment or a difficult relationship with a peer.

You can help kids develop this growth mindset by incorporating problem-solving activities, like puzzles or creative tasks, that challenge them to think outside the box and embrace the idea that learning and growth happen through effort.

Emotion management through role-playing

Kids need to learn how to manage their emotions—and role-playing can be a great way to practice. Role-play allows them to act out scenarios, such as resolving a conflict with a friend or handling frustration during a group project. Afterward, you can discuss strategies for managing emotions and resolving issues in a calm, respectful way. This not only helps them deal with emotions in the moment but also prepares them to handle similar situations at school. By acting it out, they can make a tangible connection with a solution that they can replicate in the future.

Empathy and kindness projects

Activities focused on kindness—like writing notes of encouragement or participating in community service projects—help children better understand and share the feelings of others. By practicing empathy and kindness in a fun, hands-on way, kids can learn how to build more positive relationships with their peers and teachers. These types of activities could also help them see how their actions impact others.

Integrating human skills into everyday life

A great way to reinforce human skills development is to weave it into daily life. Ask kids questions like “How do you think your classmate felt when that happened?” or “What’s something you could do to help someone else feel better?” These simple conversations encourage kids to reflect on their emotions and actions—helping them apply empathy and emotion regulation in everyday interactions.

Role modeling human skills is also crucial. Kids learn best when they see these behaviors and competencies in action. Whether it’s showing patience when things get tough or using positive communication in difficult conversations, demonstrating these skills in your own life provides valuable examples for kids to follow.

Ready to empower kids with strong human skills?

Supporting kids in developing human skills in out-of-school time settings isn’t just important—it’s an investment in their future. If you’re looking for a way to help kids thrive and grow emotionally, socially, and academically, Second Step® Out-of-School Time is a valuable resource. This evidence-based program is packed with engaging activities designed to help kids develop the skills they need to flourish in and out of the classroom. It’s an effective tool for teaching kids essential skills like empathy, kindness, emotion regulation, and growth mindset.

Learn more about how Second Step Out-of-School Time can make a difference and help kids from Kindergarten through Grade 5.