Extra-curricular activities are essential for ensuring your child has a well-rounded education. Education shouldn’t only focus on academic aspects of learning. One independent primary school in Madrid is so convinced by the benefits of extra-curricular activities for its pupils, that it has invested in provided a huge selection of options.
These activities not only teach your child a new practical skill, but they also provide essential life skills such as dedication, hard work and being a team player.
Top 5 Extra-Curricular Activities for Younger Kids
As a parent myself, I’m keen to get my children involved in extra-curricular activities that will give them the best start in life. These are my top 5 extra-curricular activities for younger kids (feel free to comment on this post with your own favourites or suggestions.
1. Learning a musical instrument
This one is close to my heart, because I learned both piano and violin from being very small. It’s something that can show your children that working hard pays off, and the only way to improve is to put the work in. You can take grade exams, which will boost self-esteem if passed and instruments can be played alone or as part of a team, teaching children a versatile skill.
2. Playing a team sport
Playing football or netball (or any other team sport) not only give your child an essential period of exercise, it also teaches them how to work as a team. Teamwork involves compromise, listening to others and even trying suggestions made by others that you wouldn’t normally agree with. It can help children be reflective and see what worked and what didn’t, as well as teach them compassion and empathy if a team mate is upset at a loss.
3. Dance
Learning to dance teaches your child discipline. It’s another activity that provides essential exercise and encourages hard work. It can be done as part of a group or alone and is a competitive sport which means self-esteem boosting awards and trophies can be won. Dance often encourages children to learn about eating the ‘right’ foods for a healthy lifestyle.
4. Performing arts
Getting up on a stage and acting or singing can be a great confidence booster for outgoing children. Performing a play demonstrates dedication to learning lines and develops team work as the performance relies on everyone to pull it together and make it work.
5. Swimming
Swimming is more than just an essential life skill, it teaches children self-discipline, as well as encouraging healthy living. Certificates and other awards can be achieved, which again, is a great self-esteem booster. Learning to swim involved following instructions, which is also something children should learn from a young age.
What are your favourite extra-curricular activities for young kids?