It may be difficult for parents to find fun and educational activities for their children. Clubs, hobbies, sports, and music classes are just a few examples, and they span a broad spectrum of commitment, expense, and intensity of competition. Allowing your kid to choose his or her own after-school activities rather than deciding for him or her what you think is ideal.
Thanks to after-school activities, kids may learn new things and explore new passions. Problems with timing, availability, and finances might arise. About two-thirds of the country's K-8 parents and guardians who took part in the survey had their children enrolled. That it will "expose them to different experiences, thoughts, and opinions" was the most common rationale cited.
What to consider before deciding
Before taking any action, you should talk to your kid about it. If your kid has a jam-packed school day, ensure they still have time to get their homework done and adequate rest. It's essential to help your child discover something they like doing, so encourage them to choose a game or pastime. In a word, yes! Interests are best pursued while one is young.
Each and every kid has their own unique set of skills and limitations. You may help your kid improve their strengths and work on overcoming their flaws in a fun, informal setting via extracurricular activities.
Children in grades K–5 learn best when they are allowed to try out several different things rather than just one. Parents should let their children try out several other sports before settling on one their child enjoys. The Afterschool Alliance claims that participating in extracurricular activities as a primary school student has many positive outcomes.
Poplar activities
To know which activities to choose from, check out the list below for parents to see and try with their children.
Art
Pittman argues that the arts are crucial to learning because they provide a cross-disciplinary challenge for the mind, body, and soul. The research was conducted on a program in Houston that provided elementary and middle school students with an average of ten arts education enrichment opportunities each year. Increases in arts learning considerably improve children's school involvement in elementary schools.
Foreign languages
One of the benefits is the correlation between learning a language and increased IQ and academic performance. The American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) reports several positive outcomes for young people who acquire a second language.
Martial arts
Martial arts are a terrific physical exercise that teaches respect, discipline, and dignity. Martial Arts Unleashed has published a list of beneficial martial arts for children, including karate, taekwondo, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, judo, and wrestling.
Music
The NAMM Foundation found that students who participate in music by playing an instrument, singing in a chorus, or other musical activities are more likely to complete their education. Pittman argues that nations like Japan and Denmark include musical training as part of their preschool curriculum because it engages several brain regions.
Performing Arts
Dance and theater are everyday extracurricular activities in practically every area. Students at many schools have the opportunity to audition or sign up for school productions of plays and other shows. Children that show promise in the performing arts may one day pursue careers as comedians, actresses, or singers. Some may continue their involvement in theater into adulthood by joining community productions or similar organizations.
Sports
Project Play is an initiative of the Aspen Institute that aims to help parents select the right sport for their kids. Working out "creates an upper for the brain," says Project Play co-founder Kelly Walker. The clarity it brings to our thoughts, the inspiration it inspires, and the strength it gives us in our capacity to learn. These are all positive outcomes.
STEM
Essential abilities for today's pupils include those in the STEM fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The After-school STEM Hub, provided by the Afterschool Alliance, highlights the value of STEM-focused after-school activities. As a result, several after-school programs are expanding their STEM offerings.
Scouting
For young people who are curious about the world and aren't afraid to explore new things, scouting organizations are a fantastic option. While Scouts learn the essentials of outdoor survival, they are also encouraged to expand their knowledge and expertise by completing badges in areas such as the kitchen, the arts, personal finance, and goal achievement. Boys and girls of all ages are invited to join the Scouts BSA, previously known as the Boy Scouts. Girl Scouts currently only admits girls, but they make it clear that "Girl Scouts is an organization that can serve her in an environment that is both emotionally and physically safe" for transgender youngsters.
Your kid should be enthusiastic about after-school activities, whether trying out a new activity, instrument, or skill-building program. Remember that you may need to try out various activities before you discover one that works very well for your kid and you, so keep your expectations reasonable and age-appropriate.
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Reference:
https://www.care.com/c/choosing-an-after-school-activity-for-your-child/
https://childmind.org/article/finding-the-balance-with-after-school-activities/
https://www.usnews.com/education/k12/articles/how-to-choose-after-school-activities
https://www.verywellfamily.com/types-of-extracurricular-activities-2601430
