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Selecting Extracurricular Activities for Your Child

    Find Family Friendly Activities

    By Shnieka Johnson, museum educator, curriculum designer and independent consultant specializing in museums and schools

    Like many parents, the academic success of my child is a top priority (even though he is just a toddler). However, I know that my son is creative and active, and that his happiness and aspirations will likely depend upon his involvement and success in extracurricular activities, whether in sports, music, cultural or something else arts-related. Although I want my son to experience a variety of activities, I know that it is not financially wise to pay for everything that sounds interesting.

    In attempting to narrow down the activities to those worth pursuing, a few things to consider are:

    • How much does your child enjoy the activity?
    • Will this be a long-term commitment?
    • Will this cause a conflict in your schedule?
    • Does it fit in your budget?

    I have a toddler, but for school-age children, after-school programs are a great option for identifying the best extracurricular activities for your child. This option is especially attractive for working families since after-school activities are often easier to balance with work and family life. Also, as children form healthy relationships with teachers, participation in extracurricular activities with those same teachers will allow them to be comfortable learning and exploring.

    After-school programs improve student achievement in school, enhance test scores and work habits. By providing students with activities such as music, art, sports, and cultural experiences, afterschool programs improve students’ social skills, gives them confidence, and influences their educational and professional aspirations.

    In addition to extracurricular activities, during school breaks, there are many camps available to children to continue their music, art, sports, and cultural experiences. For example, many learning spaces, like museums, offer activities during the Winter, Spring and Summer breaks. A few of my favorites in the New York metro area are the American Museum of Natural History, the Intrepid Air and Space Museum and the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum. The programs offered at these venues are top notch and will be memorable experiences for your child.

    Although extracurricular activities can be important aspects of your child’s development, remember not to overbook your child’s interest in being a kid. Some of the best learning time is unscheduled. It is the teachable moments in life that make the most influence.

     

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      Find Family Friendly Activities

      Elise Jones: Elise Jones was the social media director and blog editor for babybites. She was responsible for engaging and informing moms on a variety of parenting topics found on Mommybites’ parenting videos (webbybites), blog, Facebook, Twitter and BlogTalkRadio show. The Mommybites’ blog is an outlet for moms who are in search of information to support them in their role as a parent. Prior to working with Mommybites, Elise taught students in a variety of grades while working for the New York City Department of Education. Before teaching, Elise worked in public relations positions at Burson-Marsteller and Sarah Hall Productions developing and implementing media relations and corporate reputation programs for clients across many industries. Elise is the mom of two lovely girls and currently resides in New Jersey. She performs in the theater and is an active member of her local public arts council. You can also find Elise blogging at Here in This House.
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