Newmarket and Ely Living Dec 2019 - Jan 2020

The importance of extra-curricular
activities for children
In team based sports they will learn how to
work well in a team and they also build a lot
of endurance. Every sport has something
good to offer your child, whether they are
played in teams or individually.
Your child has spent a long day at school,
however their first port of call when they
home will probably be their X Box or
something on the TV.
However, we suggest that they will benefit
greatly from a non-academic activity that
they have an interest in. They can choose
from sports, chess clubs, dance clubs,
book clubs, and music clubs and so on…
your child is bound to find something to like.
There are many options for after-school
activities for kids. Talk to your child about
their interests and see what she may be
interested in. High energy children may
prefer sports or dance, while children
who are quieter tend to prefer the calmer
activities like book clubs, cooking class or
perhaps pottery.
Here are some extra-curricular activities
that your child might enjoy.
1. Music
Some children learn to play instruments,
while others prefer to sing. There are some
who are good at doing both. There are so
many instruments to choose from that you
are bound to find something that they will
enjoy playing.
There is a certain freedom in music, and
a lot of children find joy in it. Children also
tend to learn a lot about history and culture
while learning something such as a musical
instrument or song.
2. Sports
Sports such as football, basketball, cricket
and softball require teamwork and a lot
of energy, but if this type of sport doesn’t
sound like it suits your child, there are other
options such as tennis, badminton and golf
that your child can try.
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3. Dance
Even among dance, there are so many
types to choose from that your child is sure
to find the perfect fit. Be it ballet, tap or
modern dance is something that will help
your child develop physically and mentally
as most forms of dance require discipline
and a strong body and it keeps them active
as nowadays there is very little physical
activity at school.
4. Painting and Sketching
Perhaps your child is a blossoming artist.
Playing with colours is a lot of fun and
creating different works of art may be
something your child would prefer over
other more boisterous activities.
Your child will improve creative skills as
the brain will begin to develop the areas
associated with creativity. Painting and
drawing can also help develop problemsolving
skills.
5. Crafts, Pottery and Sculpting
Working with clay and creating something
with their hands can give a child a sense of
satisfaction that is not found through just
any activity. Clay can have a therapeutic
effect and is capable of keeping your child
occupied for hours.
Your child is going to develop sensory
and motor skills through creative works.
Children learn about shapes, the threedimensional
world and even need to have a
form of discipline, especially when working
with clay.
6. Martial Arts
Though the varied styles of mixed martial
arts like judo, Tae Kwan do, karate and
others may make one think of violence,
what these really teach is discipline and
how to control strength rather than wielding
it for violence.
Martial Arts teach self-control and selfdiscipline.
They also help in socialization
skills and physical development in your
child.
7. Sewing Classes
Sewing may not be something that
crosses very many people’s minds for an
extracurricular activity, but it is a skill that
is very handy indeed. Many children grow
up with a passion for fashion, and this may
be a very handy first step for them for their
futures.
Sewing is as creative a field as painting or
sculpting, and it is to be noted that it can
be very educational for those children who
want to be future designers.
8. Book Club
Book clubs are a great way for little
bookworms to have their fun and socialise
with other book lovers.
Many things can be gained from a book
club. Not only will the literature itself teach
your child a lot about the world, the way it
works and so much more, but it will also
help them to develop their reading skills,
which will have a tremendous impact on
their writing skills.
9. Cooking Class
Cooking classes are great for children
as they are not only an essential skill but
another area where they can express their
creativity.
There are quite a few benefits to this as
cooking food is something that will help
your child develop focus, creativity and will
also teach your children useful skills like
how to handle sharp knives. It also teaches
them about different ingredients and how
to prepare healthy and balanced meals, all
with the company of others their age.
10. Drama Club
Your little drama kings and queens will love
this one as it is a fun and productive way to
use up their dramatic energies.
Drama club helps your child to develop
physical, artistic, social and public speaking
skills. It also helps to improve a their
memory and improvisation skills. Often,
shy children who have a talent for acting
become more confident and social through
drama club.
When you have a general idea of what your
child wants, you can do some research
to see who provides these classes in your
area and then take the time to take your
child to visit the place while a class is in
session and see if is a stimulating and
comfortable environment.