A lot of attention is paid to what children do when they’re in the classroom, but sometimes the activities they’re involved in after school can be just as important. There are many clubs and lessons on offer to kids now, and these extracurricular sessions can help youngsters to hone their talents, grow in confidence and discover lifelong passions. If you’re looking for ideas for your own children, it’s worth considering the following top after-school activities.
Music
Music lessons are a popular option, and it’s not hard to see why. Learning to play an instrument can improve youngsters’ coordination and concentration, and research even suggests it can enhance their academic abilities. Illustrating this point, a study of 1,200 children in Switzerland found that playing music could boost children’s reading and verbal skills. Meanwhile, music lessons can also teach kids the importance of perseverance and it can raise self-esteem. Don’t worry if you’re not sure which instrument to go for. Specialist providers like Caswell’s Strings offer rental options, meaning your little ones can try before you buy.
Dance
Dance is another fun activity, and there are plenty of different styles to choose from, including ballet, tap and street dance. These sessions can be fun for kids and they provide a great opportunity to make friends. Dance is also a good way to get children more active, and it can work wonders when it comes to improving their coordination and confidence.
Drama
Then there’s drama to consider. These groups can bring out kids’ creative sides, and they also get youngsters used to speaking in front of an audience. This can have positive knock-on effects on their academic work. For example, it can make them more confident asking questions in class and it can also mean they’re better equipped to deal with the pressures of debates.
Team sports
Team sports are another top choice. Whether it’s football, basketball, baseball or any other activity, these clubs can have a range of positive effects on youngsters. As well as helping young people to stay fit, they encourage team work and they can bring a sense of pride and achievement.
Of course, this is just a small selection of the options on offer. The important thing when you’re trying to find the ideal activity for your little one is to look for groups that are age appropriate and that reflect your child’s interests. Be sure to get your youngster involved in the decision making process too. They might have clear ideas about what they want to do, or perhaps their friends are getting involved in particular activities and they want to follow suit.
Meanwhile, don’t be too disappointed if your child doesn’t like the first activity they try. Often, there’s an element of trial and error before a child finds the perfect after-school pastime for them.