Choosing the Best Extracurricular Activities
When your kids are at school, they’re at their desks most of the day and busy following the school’s schedule. Other than a short recess break or two, they don’t have a true creative outlet or even time to let loose and run free with their imaginations. That’s why after-school activities do wonders for child development. They can improve such things as a child’s social skills, sense of self and grades, to name just a few. Activities after school can also teach children important life skills such as teamwork and problem solving, improve kids’ relationships with adults other than their parents and give them a chance to be themselves without the structure of school. But how do you know which activity is best for your child?
Every child has a different personality, and each personality must be nurtured in its own special way. With the right after-school activity and proper guidance, children tend to stay out of mischief they might otherwise get into. There are so many activities to choose from, you are bound to find just the right fit for your child’s interests. Here is just a sampling of the extracurricular activities available and what your child can gain from them. And remember, don’t give up on the idea of extracurriculars if what’s listed here doesn’t fit your child’s personality. Other options are out there, and you’re sure to find the perfect fit.
- Art. Does your child love creating art? Whether it’s painting, sketching or working with clay, your child will improve his creative skills. Clay, for example, can have a therapeutic effect and can keep your child occupied for hours. The more he is exposed to and works with creative things, the more his brain will begin developing the areas associated with creativity and problem solving, such as his sensory and motor skills.
- Sports. Whether they’re running across a football field, basketball court, or running bases on a baseball field, child athletes will learn teamwork and release a lot of energy. There are many other options out there, too, such as tennis, softball, badminton, volleyball and golf that your child can try.
- Dance. Do you have a future ballerina in your house? Does your child enjoy hip hop or jazz dancing? Whatever their flair, you can find a plethora of dance classes available for kids: tap, jazz, ballet, hip hop, modern dance, lyrical, contemporary, ballroom and more. If your children opt for a more classical style of dance, they can learn about the culture of the dance style. Dance, in general, requires discipline and endurance. It will help your child develop physically and mentally by building confidence and coordination.
- Martial Arts. Although there are myriad styles of martial arts out there (e.g., Judo, Tae Kwon Do, Karate, Hapkido), all of them teach the same theme: discipline. Martial arts teach kids (and adults) how to how to control their strength. They teach self-control and self-discipline, and they help improve socialization skills and physical development in children.
- Gymnastics. If your child loves to do somersaults, cartwheels and flips, this might just be the perfect activity. This extracurricular activity has something for every child, including running, jumping, flipping, rolling, swinging and using up all of their pent-up energy. It’s a great way to stay in shape, and it helps young kids develop mentally and physically.
- Cooking. Some children naturally find their creativity in the kitchen, so a cooking class would be a great choice for your budding chef or baker! Not only is cooking an essential skill, but it will help children develop focus and creativity, as well as teach them useful skills such as how to handle sharp knives and other kitchen tools. They’ll learn along with others around their age about different ingredients and how to prepare healthy and balanced meals.
- Sewing. Sewing may not be an activity most families think of, but the skill is a great one for kids to have. Sewing may be the skill that prepares aspiring fashionistas or designers for the future as they begin learning how to sew their own accessories, pillowcases, room décor and clothing. A sewing class will develop their creative abilities, build their self-esteem and give them a useful skill.
- Drama. Is your child a budding theater actor or actress? If so, you might want to look into a drama club, the perfect venue for releasing dramatic energy. Drama club will help your child develop physical, artistic, social and public speaking skills, not to mention memory and improvisation skills.
- Chess. Once your child learns to play chess, there’s no going back. Chess club is a great extracurricular activity for kids. Many schools have chess clubs. If yours doesn’t, check around town or start your own. Through chess club, students learn patience, strategy and timing by playing the game. Chess also hones skills in deduction, as a player tries to deduce an opponent’s strategy and beat it.
- Books. Do you have a bookworm in your house? If so, a book club would be a great after-school activity. There is much to gain from joining a book club. Not only will your kids get to socialize with others book lovers, but the books they read will teach a lot about the world and the way it works. It will also help hone their reading skills and vocabulary, which, in turn, will reflect on their writing skills.
- Music. Whether it’s a love for singing or playing an instrument, music offers a lot of freedom of expression that many children enjoy. There are so many instruments for children to choose from, they’ll easily discover one they’ll find joy in playing. And music (both instrumental and vocal) carries with it a lot of history that children will learn about, especially with classical pieces!
Kids have an array of options for after-school activities. Find out what your children’s interests are and what they might like to do. Once you know what they want, you can do some research to see who provides the classes you’re seeking. Be sure to take the time to visit place with your child while a class is in session to see whether the environment is stimulating and comfortable. The places you choose to take your children are especially important—make sure they nurture their creativity rather than hamper it.
Kansas City mom and author Gina Klein has always had her two daughters in after-school activities that they enjoy most: dance and music lessons.