Keeping Kids in Motion
Building a community where fitness and play are the foundation for all families.
Broadening Your Child’s Interests – Alternative After-School Activities
Please welcome Amanda Henderson as a guest writer for Keeping Kids in Motion. This is Amanda’s second post with Keeping Kids Kids in Motion. Amanda is both a mom to two rambunctious boys and a preschool teacher. She created and writes for Safe Children to educate parents on how to keep their children safe while also having fun. Greetings Amanda and thank you for your helpful words. Click here to read Amanda’s first post with KKM called 8 Ways You Can Teach Your Kids to Live Healthy Lives.
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Broadening Your Child’s Interests – Alternative After-School Activities
Children’s interests are constantly changing, and as parents, we want to allow them to explore various activities. You may have heard of traditional options like sports or dance classes, but what about the alternatives? These options can be just as rewarding and may even broaden your child’s interests. Today, Keeping Kids in Motion will discuss alternative after-school activities that will give your child exposure to new experiences and hobbies.
Encourage Them To Learn A Musical Instrument
Music is an excellent way to broaden your child’s interest and provide them with lifelong skills. They could take up anything from the guitar to the piano, and there are plenty of resources available both online and offline. Many music stores offer classes or private lessons, and there are also countless video tutorials available on platforms like YouTube. Encouraging your child to learn a musical instrument not only develops their creativity but also teaches them discipline as they must practice consistently to improve.
Enlist them in Martial Arts
Martial arts provide a way for young children to learn discipline while being active physically. The benefits of martial arts go beyond physical fitness. It also teaches children self-defense, enhances their coordination and balance, and supports their mental health by teaching meditation and self-awareness techniques. Many gyms or fitness centers now offer martial arts classes for all ages, so you’re sure to find a program that suits your child’s needs. You could even get the entire family involved.
Organize An After-school Book Club
If your child loves reading or writing, then consider organizing an after-school book club. Book clubs can create an excellent opportunity to enhance your child’s critical thinking skills and improve their reading comprehension. It also allows them to explore different genres and themes while also helping them develop social and communication skills. Choose age-appropriate books and invite their friends to join in the fun.
Encourage Them To Take Robotics Classes
Technology is evolving rapidly, and robotics is becoming more prevalent than ever before. Encouraging your child to learn the basics of robotics can be a stimulating alternative after-school activity. Robotics teaches not only engineering but also computer programming and design principles. Additionally, it can be a perfect choice for children who enjoy tinkering and problem-solving. Many schools, libraries, and youth centers offer robotics programs, or you can also check if there are private classes near you.
Create Business Cards for Your Teen’s Business
If your teen has decided to start their own business, one option to help them get started is to learn how to make a business card, especially for those on a budget. There are free online tools available that allow anyone, regardless of skill level, to create and print professional-looking business cards. Simply search for “free online business card tools” and choose from the many options available. With the ability to customize colors, graphics, fonts, and more, your teen can create a unique design that accurately represents their brand and helps them stand out in a competitive market.
Start A Volunteer Project with your Child
Lastly, volunteering is an excellent way to give back to the community, and it can be a rewarding experience for your child. Volunteering can help your child enhance their teamwork and leadership abilities, and build their self-esteem while learning the importance of social responsibility. There are several volunteer opportunities year-round that you can get involved in. You could work with local charities or non-profit organizations, and it could even become a regular monthly activity.
Encouraging your child to take part in alternative after-school activities broadens their interests and helps them discover their passions. Learning music, martial arts, reading, robotics, and volunteering can form an essential part of their life and help them grow into well-rounded individuals. As a parent, your support can create excellent opportunities to expose your child to new and exciting experiences and ultimately help them become the best version of themselves.
Keeping Kids in Motion is here to help families build a foundation of health and fitness. If you have any questions, we’d love to hear from you!
CIRCLE HAND SOCCER – Game of the Week – perfect for limited space and equipment
Sometimes you just need a quick game with limited equipment that takes up a small amount of space. This happened to us recently when our gym was transformed into an art gallery and our playground was too wet. Enter CIRCLE HAND SOCCER. Some play a similar game with a variety of names but this is our version.
Equipment:
- One ball per group. I like to use a foam soccer ball. It’s safe to strike and it tends to stay grounded. If a ball is too light, it will often become airborne, exiting the circle without going through the “tunnels.”</li>
Set up:
- Create groups of 10-12 students
- Students hold hands to make a circle. When holding hands, students slowly walk backward until their arms are extended and straight.
- Students drop their hands and open their legs until their feet are touching their neighbors. Each “tunnel” should be about the same size. The circle may need to be reset several times during a match.
How to play:
- One student begins with the ball for the kickoff.
- The ball can only be struck with an open hand.
- Players attempt to strike the ball between other players’ legs. A goal cannot be scored on the player to the immediate left or right of the shooter until there are only four players remaining.
- If the ball travels between a player’s legs (a goal), that player then turns around and must play backwards.
- If a ball is struck between that same player’s legs a second time, that same player is out.
- Each time a player is out, students must reset the circle since it will now be smaller.
- The game continues until there are only two players left. These two players are the winner of the round.
- Any player that is out, stands outside the circle to cheer and retrieve balls that exit the circle.
I begin playing this game with 4th-grade students. I’ve played it with middle school and high school students with equal amounts of excitement.
If you need a quick game with limited space and equipment, then Circle Hand Ball might be the perfect “back pocket” game for you and your students.
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Dice Doubles versus Cone Flip
Students enjoy quick challenges. Dice Doubles versus Cone Flip is exactly that. Mainly used as an instant activity, students roar with excitement when they enter the gym to discover what is first on the day’s plan.
Setup:
- As students enter the gym, half receive two dice while the other half receive a cone.
- A student with dice partners up with a student with a cone.
- Then it’s GAME ON!
Goal: To be the first player to either land the cone on its base or roll doubles with the dice first.
How to Play:
- The challenge begins with 10 jumping jacks and a handshake (or knuckles)
- One player rolls the dice while the other flips the cone, trying to land it on its base.
- Whoever rolls dice double or lands the flipped cone first wins the round.
- After each round, students acknowledge each other by saying “good game,” trade equipment, and then search for another opponent.
The excitement and challenges are just two of the reasons I love this activity. It’s also sprinkled with fitness and promotes sportsmanship. It’s important to remind students prior to beginning and during DICE DOUBLES versus CONE FLIP to complete their jumping jacks and shake hands prior to EVERY round.