Thrive After 3: Reveal your hidden talents through after-school activities

In today’s fast-moving world, after-school activities have become an integral part of a child’s development and well-rounded education. These activities offer valuable opportunities for students to explore their interests, develop new skills, foster social connections, and enhance their overall academic performance. By engaging children in clubs or programmes, parents and educators can empower them to thrive beyond the traditional classroom environment.

Let’s explore why after-school activities are essential and provide some suggestions for activities that students should consider participating in this year.

Read on.

Why should one participate in activities after-school hours?

Holistic Development: After-school activities provide a well-rounded educational experience by catering to diverse interests and abilities. These provide a range of avenues for students to develop their physical, intellectual, creative, and social skills, which are equally crucial for their personal growth.

Exploration of Interests: After school children can explore their passions and talents beyond the confines of the academic curriculum. By engaging in activities that align with their interests, students have a good chance of developing a deeper sense of identity, confidence, and self-esteem.

According to Pardeepika Kapoor, mother of Aadhya, “Parents too need to spend time with the child to understand his/her interests. This is the first step towards knowing the learner. Besides, this journey of discovery is quite a hit and trial one. So, the guardians need to be persistent and in the process give way to the uniqueness and creativity of the child.”

Her daughter is a bright four-year-old who has etched her name in the annals of history by achieving the remarkable feat of reciting 10 rhymes in an astonishing 59.71 seconds. This extraordinary achievement has earned Aadhya a well-deserved place in the esteemed International Book of Records, showcasing the limitless potential of children at a tender age. She is a Lower Kindergarten student in Apeejay School, Tanda Road in Jalandhar.

Academic Reinforcement: Participating in activities post school hours can complement and reinforce classroom learning. For example, involvement in Math or Science clubs can boost academic concepts, while creative writing workshops can enhance literacy skills. The practical application of knowledge in a hands-on environment often leads to a deeper understanding of subjects.

Skill Development: After-school activities provide a platform for honing specific skills that may not be emphasised during regular class time. Whether it’s playing a musical instrument, participating in sports, or engaging in art and crafts, students can develop discipline, perseverance, teamwork, and time management skills that are vital for success in all areas of life.

How can parents engage the child in after-school programmes?

Understand Interests: Start by having conversations with your child about their interests and aspirations. Learn what excites them and what they would like to learn or explore further. This will help you identify suitable activities that align with their passions.

Research Options: Conduct thorough research on the available activities in your area or through school programmes. Consider factors such as affordability, accessibility, and the expertise of instructors or coaches. Discuss options with your child and narrow down the choices based on their preferences.

Encourage Balance: While it is important to encourage children to explore their interests, it’s equally vital to maintain a balance between academics and activities. Ensure that the time commitment and scheduling of after-school activities do not interfere with their academic responsibilities or result in excessive stress.

According to Jyoti Tiwari, a reiki practitioner and mother based in Jalandhar, “Extra-curriculars after school is a great way to engage the child. However, such activities must be focused on learning something new in a fun way. It not only help children build new skills but also releases their pent up emotions and channels their energy in the right direction.” She advises that fellow parents must not make it into a competition and avoid pressuring the children in any manner.

Her daughter, Kyra Sharma, student at Apeejay School, Model Town bagged the third prize in the 7th Indo-Nepal Sports Festival 2023 conducted in the month of June. Kyra’s remarkable talent in Hip Hop has already set her on the path to becoming a dance sensation. She may soon have the opportunity to showcase her dancing skills in Spain.

Provide Support: Be actively involved in your child’s after-school journey by providing the necessary support and encouragement. Attend their performances, matches, or presentations, and offer positive feedback. Applaud their efforts and achievements, which will motivate them to continue their pursuit of excellence.

What are the top skills for children to hone this year?

1.     Problem-solving: This equips children with the ability to identify, understand, and solve problems effectively. It encourages them to think creatively, consider multiple perspectives, and explore various solutions.

2.     Analytical skills: Through analysis, children learn to examine information critically, identify patterns, and draw logical conclusions. This skill helps them make informed decisions, separate facts from opinions, and evaluate the credibility of different sources of information.

3.     Independence and confidence: When they become more independent in their learning and decision-making, they gain the confidence to express their ideas, ask questions, and challenge assumptions, fostering intellectual growth and self-assurance.

4.     Communication skills: Children must express their thoughts clearly, listen actively, and engage in meaningful discussions. These communication skills are vital for effective collaboration, teamwork, and building strong relationships.

5.     Adaptability: In today’s rapidly changing world, adaptability is crucial. Children should know how to adapt to different challenges, and respond flexibly to changing circumstances. It nurtures resilience, resourcefulness, and a willingness to learn from failures.

Therefore, incorporate activities such as puzzles, brain teasers, debates, scientific experiments, group projects, and creative problem-solving tasks. Participation in team sports or individual physical activities to develop physical fitness, coordination, discipline, and teamwork is another way. Clubs based on arts and music, STEM subjects or debate and public speaking are a must to check out for students this year.

Finally, consider a holistic approach when selecting after-school programmes to ensure children have a balanced development experience. Such activities aid children explore their potential, boost academic performance, and prepare them for success in their future endeavours.