After school, how to make the right choice?
September is not only the return to school, it is also for many children the return to different routines such as extracurricular activities. Many students fill the dead times of their afternoons with different tasks ranging from English courses, to sports such as swimming or practices that aim to enhance skills such as writing or computer skills.
At this point it is necessary to ask how to get the best out of these practices. What activities are best suited to the child's profile, which ones will contribute most to their development? What should be taken into account when choosing? From the Vallmont school a series of tips are offered so that parents can opt for some options or others according to different criteria.
Time and preferences
The experts of this educational center point out that the first point that must be taken into account is the weather of the child. Do not overload the student because after so many hours at school, afternoons doing homework and other chores at the end there is nothing left for rest. We must remember that the mind must be reset in order to function the next day.
In addition, those responsible for this center also advise parents to take into account other issues such as:
- Take into account the child's opinion. You have to allow him to choose what he likes most and to attract attention.
- Possibility of a trial period after which, if the student is not satisfied with the activity carried out, he may have the option of abandoning it or choosing another one that convinces him more.
- Constant support of parents is essential during the performance of any extracurricular activity.
- Complement at home with activities such as watching films in English to encourage language learning, attend a performance in which the child participates, etc.
Extracurricular and curricula
Another criterion that can be taken into account is what it will bring to children in their academic curriculum. These are some possibilities which are offered from the European School of Madrid and the European Infant School BEBIN:
- Public speaking, cinema and theater. The main objective is that the student knows and applies the fundamental tools to face an exhibition to the public. The keys to achieving public speaking are relaxation, concentration and self-confidence and what is going to be done.
- Young innovators. The objective is to develop innovation and creativity so that it serves as a differentiating element for their personal and professional future. Motivating them, finding their skills, developing their talent, challenging their abilities and unleashing their full potential, so they can take advantage of the opportunities that arise. It is not about forcing them to innovate or undertake, but to help them develop all their capabilities and, ultimately, give them tools to build their future.
- Chess Club. Chess is considered a science-game that promotes intellectual and recreational aspects. It is a demonstrably beneficial activity for all ages, since it favors the exercise and development of mental skills, such as concentration, memory, abstraction, reasoning and coordination. It teaches them to develop strategies according to the objectives.
- Robotics and programming. Educational robotics is an interdisciplinary teaching system that enhances teamwork, coordination and agility of their hands or the implementation of knowledge acquired in theory. Children learn to solve simple problems, consolidate the learning acquired in other areas and obtain new skills. Educational robotics at an early age becomes a game, which together with strong motivational value.
Damián Montero
