Extracurricular classes and programs for kids are one of the best ways you can set your child up for success. There’s only so much they can learn in school, and kids are quick to develop interests outside the standard curriculum. Whether it’s sports, music, art, or technology, kids are curious about the world around them and they want to learn new skills. In an environment that’s fun and that makes trying, failing, and exploring safe, they can become enthusiastic about learning and doing new things.
Enrolling your kids in some kind of extracurricular activity can help them:
- Learn a new skill
- Improve their social skills like cooperation, respect, and support
- Get more physical activity in their day
- Explore their own interests
- At the high school level, improve their applications for colleges and scholarships (many scholarships are based on extracurricular engagement)
Most importantly, they’re a chance for kids to develop and see what interests them. If you’re looking for an extracurricular for your kids to enroll in, talk to them about what interests them. You could be surprised at what’s out there.
Sports Leagues
Before the high school level, schools don’t typically offer sports teams. But there are likely plenty of youth sports leagues in your community. Some team sports can be expensive. Anything that requires a lot of equipment can quickly become a financial burden. If you have tight budget considerations, there are also a lot of low-cost sports, including:
- Basketball
- Swimming
- Soccer
- Track and field
Video Game Coding Classes for Kids
While video game coding classes for kids have been around for decades, the growth of the video game industry has brought them into the spotlight. For kids who love to play video games, coding classes are a great way to transform their interests into something productive.
Coding classes for kids from schools like Real Programing 4 Kids are offered year-round as afterschool courses or on weekends, as well as summer coding camps. They limit class sizes to only 4 students per instructor, which means kids get more 1-on-1 time. For more information about coding classes for kids, check out RealProgramming.com and find out which coding languages are taught.
Tech skills have never been more in demand. Signing up for video game classes for kids will help them develop a better understanding of computational skills and real programming knowledge.
Music Classes
Learning how to play an instrument is a way for kids to learn both technical skills and engage their creativity. From classical instruments like piano and violin to drums and guitar, music lessons can teach discipline and patience, boost self-esteem, and improve academic skills. There’s a close relationship between music and math that can benefit kids who learn instruments in school.
Plus, learning how to play an instrument will give them the talents and skills they need to pursue their own creative dreams in the future.
Extracurriculars open opportunities that kids might not otherwise have. Talk to your kids about their interests and try out something different.
