Providing extracurricular activities for your preschoolers can encourage their natural curiosity and love of learning. Activities also can help them develop important skills like self-awareness, social development, language and motor skills. Countless classes and programs are available through both parks and rec and private organizations for your child that are both fun and educational. But which activity is right for your child?
Team sports
Team sports help kids with their social development, as well as problem solving skills. Being part of a team also gives kids a sense of confidence as they have the opportunity to cheer each other on and contribute to the common goal. “Soccer seems to be a good place to start. It gets them used to the idea of team sports,” says Kara Thomas, mom and preschool teacher. Another preschool-friendly team sport is T-ball. Team sports are a good fit for your child if he loves physical activity and socializing with other kids.
Art
An art class provides the opportunity for kids to create, make messes and try crafts their parents may not want to try at home, such as painting, sculpture and papier-mache. Art helps develop hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills and encourages kids to explore different colors and textures while encouraging their creativity. Kids who are introverted, creative and can sit still for longer periods of time would enjoy an art class.
Music and dance
Preschool kids love to listen to music and to dance. Many music enrichment programs are available that encourage kids to sing, make their own music and use their bodies to express themselves through dance. Numerous dance studios offer beginner classes for the preschool crowd. The study of music and dance helps kids develop their gross motor skills, language and even improve their math and reading skills down the line, according to PBS.org. Music classes are a good fit for any preschooler, but kids who are naturally drawn to music and movement in particular should look into music classes such as Gymboree or Music with Mar, which are geared toward preschool children specifically.
Preschool and playgroups
Traditional preschool exposes children to many different types of enrichment, such as art, music, games, cooperative play, drama and pretend play, as well as develops their social and language skills. While preschool may provide a well-rounded enrichment experience, it may not be a good fit for some families due to schedules or finances. Play groups are another great way to expose your child to many types of enrichment experiences while giving them the social aspect that preschools provide.
Individual sports
“I think dance or tumbling is a really good first organized activity for kids,” says Angela Leever, Olathe mom of three and preschool special education teacher. “You want to make sure you get them into an activity where the instructors are used to working with young children and their expectations are age appropriate.” Gymnastics, swimming and martial arts are great sports activities for little ones to try because they work on their core strength and confidence. Kids who love to be active and are maybe even a little daring do great in these individual sports.
The wonderful thing about preschool enrichment is there are several programs and opportunities in the Kansas City area and countless chances to expose your kids to learning at home as well. “We are really into gardening right now. My son waters the plants every night and has to help pull weeds. It has been a great learning experience for him,” says Katlyn Purkapile, mom of two from Edgerton. Kids can learn by helping with chores around the house, exploring all the parks and museums Kansas City has to offer and even visiting the local library. Olathe mother of two Stephanie Pratt says, “Everything you do is a learning activity for preschoolers. My kids love to cook with me.”
Get creative, make learning fun and allow your child to explore and try new things both in organized programs and at home.
At-Home Enrichment
You don’t have to spend a fortune on classes to give your kids great enrichment experiences. Here are some ideas to incorporate at home or explore in your community.
- Gross motor: Visit a park, play in the backyard, create an obstacle course using household objects or have a family dance party.
- Fine motor: Create a sensory bin, play with puzzles or blocks, allow your kids to draw and practice with scissors.
- Language: Sing, read and use cooperative play.
- Social development: Host playdates, explore the city, go on a scavenger hunt.
- Self awareness: Dress up, cook, have kids help with chores and gardening.
Mom of six Sarah Lyons lives in Olathe with her family.