Extracurricular Activities for Today's Kids
By: Pam Gelman
Deciding what activity to begin with can be harder than it sounds. Parents should consider a child’s individual interests and temperament; a child who loves to clap and listen to music may become shy, withdrawn, or downright fussy in music class with other children. Keep in mind there is a tremendous amount of stimulation for a young child in a new class setting.
Other important considerations for choosing a class include the class schedule, location, price, juggling with schedules of other siblings, and safety. A three-year-old who loves to watch ice skating and begs for lessons may have another view of the sport the first time she stands precariously on ice. Activities should be be positive learning experiences, so there is nothing wrong with waiting until the child is developmentally ready and able.
What Activities and When
Babies and Toddlers
As early as a few weeks of being a parent, you and your child can enroll in a parent support class or baby gym where you meet other new parents and their babies. These classes are usually facilitated by child development/parenting specialists and are a wonderful way to become connected to others entering this new chapter in life. While initially babies sleep or gaze at each other during class, in no time they will move and interact with their playgroup buddies.
Music classes can be wonderful for young children. Whether sitting on a parent’s lap or standing up and dancing, children participate and learn in their own ways. Some classes are organized and facilitated by music teachers who sing, play instruments, and have appropriate expectations for a class of babies and toddlers. Or for a more casual approach, some neighborhood moms groups have set up weekly music classes where parents take turns facilitating. Either way allows children to learn and parents to socialize and cut a rug.
Preschoolers & Gradeschoolers
Some children are naturally interested in participating in an organized class that focuses on a specific activity.
T-ball, soccer, and gymnastics are very popular for active little ones. These classes introduce children to the equipment, vocabulary, and rules of the game (including safety). Kids get a feel for the sport, have fun, and get some healthy exercise. Once the novelty of a new class wears off, parents have the opportunity to assess whether there is a genuine interest and if future classes that are more in-depth are appropriate.
A popular activity to ease children into a more structured experience is the neighborhood library story time. This helps kids learn to sit with peers and work on listening skills while enjoying interesting stories.
For children who enjoy music class but are ready for something a little more structured, the next step may be a dance class. These classes vary in the type of dance instruction and amount of structure. For younger children, a class that is looser in structure and somewhat repetitive in class content – so children know what to expect – yields the happiest and most participative students.
Another option is a music class that is specific to this age group. The teachers in these classes share songs and talk about instruments, rhythm, and movement in ways that are appropriate for the preschooler. Preschoolers can still enjoying exploring instruments in their own creative ways, and children 6 - 10 can start with piano lessons or learning other instruments.
There are debates about whether or not it is appropriate for young children to learn the basics of swimming and skiing. Some feel earlier instruction gives children and their parents a false sense of security. Others claim that if the child is interested, there is no harm in exposure to the sport as long as a parent or caregiver is participating. No matter how athletically gifted a child appears to be, parents and caregivers need to keep watch over their children while they participate in all sports.
Art class is a wonderful activity that is appropriate for preschool ages. These classes do not teach how to draw, but rather provide materials to explore and create. It’s a hands-on experience for children to manipulate different mediums. Besides supporting an interest, art classes provide a more “quiet” activity that is often helpful for those long afternoons without naps.
Kids are interested not just in the class content but also in the instructor, other children in the class, and materials required (i.e. black leotard vs. pink). A class can be an extremely stimulating experience, and most kids will have some good days and some bad. If these classes are in addition to preschool, parents should expect some rougher days. Children at this young age are still making huge changes in their lives as far as sleep requirements (no longer needing naps though tired), growth spurts, cognitive changes, developing peer relationships, and more -- which can all culminate in a tantrum in the middle of class. Absenteeism is expected and understood as children grapple with the normal adjustments in their development.
Parent Participation
Very young children need the reassurance of having loving caregivers close by during classes. Classes for children under three or four will usually require the presence of a parent or another known caregiver. Each child’s feelings about a new setting will be unique. Some young children participate by holding a parent’s hand and watching others. At the other end, some kids plunge into the activity and never seem to glance over at their parents. But a child knows at all times where the “safety net” is seated and is able to enjoy the activity and learn because he or she feels safe.
Except in the case of support groups or baby gyms, it is important to remember that classes are primarily for the child’s benefit. The parent’s job is to support the child and not to take over the play or paint the picture for the child. It can be tough not to get involved with the play (who doesn’t like the therapeutic feel of play dough?), yet letting the child make decisions about the play will help him or her become more comfortable and confident in the class setting.
Where Do I Learn About These Classes?
Word of mouth is one of the best way to learn about activities for children. Chatting with parents of young children while pushing a child on a swing or waiting in line at the post office is great opportunity to share information. Local neighborhood papers, YMCA’s, community centers, preschools, children’s clothing stores, toy stores, pediatrician offices and churches and temples are other spots where classes and activities may be advertised. There may even be information about community classes for children that can be accessed on the Internet.
Benefits
The pluses of participating in activities for children are obvious. Children learn in all realms of development. Listening to a note in music class triggers connections in the brain that will be used later when solving math problems. Physical development is supported through experimenting and moving the body in new ways. Working with other kids to play soccer or paint a mural builds on socialization skills and teaches children more about cooperation and teamwork. Cognitively, children learn more about solving problems and that (surprise!) there are other perspectives in addition to their own. There is also an opportunity for children to learn more about other cultures through class content or, even better, by making a friend with someone with a different cultural background.
Over-scheduling
If your child seems tired, easily frustrated, or cranky on the days of the activities, he or she may be over-scheduled. Another clue may be if he is dawdling or downright insistent on not attending the class on a given day. Persistent stomachaches, headaches, and fatigue are signs that a child is feeling stressed and perhaps depressed. An activity once (maybe twice) a week and that lasts no more than one hour is usually manageable and a good benchmark to assess a child’s scheduling meter.
Spontaneous Play
Does an organized class prevent the learning that occurs through spontaneous play? Very young children are sponges for learning, whether they’re climbing on a play structure or doing a puzzle on the living room floor. A very important skill is learning to occupy time by oneself, and this only can happen when there is extra time in a child’s day. Solitary play actually can be the most productive learning period in a child’s day. Placing a child in a class before he or she is ready and the stress that ensues may prevent the natural forces of curiosity and discovery that occur. And if in preschool, the stress of the after-school activity may affect behavior in preschool as well.
One or two classes a week may be welcomed activities and help children further their interests in particular areas. It’s up to each parent to decide what and how many activities are appropriate. Around ages 4 to 5 years, another milestone is reached as children attend classes without parents. Enjoy these parent-child activities, whether in a baby gym or at home, before your little kids become big kids leading busy, active lives and have to “schedule” time in their days to spend with mom and dad.
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