Choosing Between After School Activities: Focusing on the Long Term Benefits
"Simon has not practised music this week because we have been too busy. He has swimming lessons on Mondays at 4.00pm, dance on Wednesdays at 3.30pm and Gym on Fridays at 5.00pm. He is very tired by the end of the week." If this sounds familiar, you are not alone. After school activities are a necessary part of everyday life for children, but when does Simon actually get to have free play?Are the activities that Simon and his family have chosen all teaching him the same basic skills or are they benefiting him in a diverse variety of ways?There are fees, hidden costs, time sacrifices and travel stress involved in each activity so why choose activities that have overlapping benefits? At such a high cost why not choose a simple mix of after school activities that have an all round benefit for Simon?There are so many learning experiences available for children these days, but often the benefits from the activities are quite similar, or even the same. Looking more closely at the skills children need to support a life time of independent learning, we have activities that fit into different general categories.1. Activities that teach teamwork and general fitness. (most organised sports)2. Activities that teach individual fitness and endurance. (gym, martial arts, swimming, dance)3. Activities encouraging fine motor skills and creative expression. (art classes)4. Activities that specifically encourage increasing attention span, develop memory and focus skills, concentration, co-ordination, discipline, routine and something they can do for the rest of their lives. (music lessons)Our kids don't need to be enrolled in more than one activity teaching any specific benefit or skill unless they choose to do so.By helping your child choose one team sport, one fitness activity and one musical activity you are giving them the perfect start for a future of all round independent learning and saving time and money as well.Call me today to enrol your child in music lessons. Heather Nel 0148 563 226
