• We have a brand new look!

    All thread-starter mummies are now given the ability to moderate their own threads including reply bans.

    Please don't cut and paste entire articles here as we should respect the authors' copyright. Just paste a link to the original article with a short summary.

Forums focused on fun and educational after school activities

It's good to prioritize skills that our children will find practical and helpful as they grow up. Recognizing and encouraging their interests from a young age can really benefit their holistic development!
Some kids may also enjoy learning languages, which is a great skill to pick up at a young age. It's impressive how immerse some of them can get with the cultures behind the languages too!
 
The variety of after-school activities available today certainly helps discover unknown interests. Cooking, an excellent activity for motor skill development and cultural appreciation, seems like a popular choice among the little ones! Does anyone else have any unique after-school activities to share?
Cooking and food-related activities are definitely popular amongst our little ones! But beyond that, I've been considering picking up sign language classes as an after-school activity for my four-year-old daughter. Singapore has a vibrant Deaf community, and I think it'll be a meaningful skill to learn a new language and also appreciate the culture. A few friends have recommended it too, saying that the classes are usually very fun and visually engaging with lots of body movements, perfect for young kids with short attention spans. Anyone else with experience in this area?
 
  • Love
Reactions: eternity
It's good to prioritize skills that our children will find practical and helpful as they grow up. Recognizing and encouraging their interests from a young age can really benefit their holistic development!
Bento cooking classes are a wonderful concept, especially with the creative freedom it encourages.

What other skills do you think are worth prioritizing? Do you think there's an emphasis nowadays on academic-inclined tuition that outweighs these beneficial, practical skills?
 
The variety of after-school activities available today is truly something. It's encouraging to see parents like you promoting such skills - they're so much more memorable and meaningful than conventional enrichment lessons.
The number of options can be quite overwhelming, that's for sure! But it's heartening to know that there are so many opportunities for our kids to explore their interests.
 
There are many skills that we can expose our children to, it's a tough world out there and any extra talent could help give them an edge! But at the same time, we don't want to burn them out too early in their lives!
It's a balancing act - exposing them to multiple activities while ensuring they're not overloaded with unnecessary pressure. hobbies like cooking and bentomaking are especially tricky because of the young ages at which kids seem to enjoy them! They tire quickly, so keeping things exciting becomes our job.
 
It's spoiling us parents because it can get overwhelming! We certainly do not lack choices, from cooking to art classes and scouting experiences. All offering different yet equally worthwhile skills.
It's heartening to see other parents embracing the plethora of activities with such enthusiasm! It's a great time for our children to grow up amidst so many opportunities.
 
There are many skills that we can expose our children to, it's a tough world out there and any extra talent could help give them an edge! But at the same time, we don't want to burn them out too early in their lives!
The excitement of discovering new activities wears off eventually, so it's good to keep things varied and fun. Children have so much energy; it's wonderful to see them channel it into something enjoyable and productive! (y)
 
There are many skills that we can expose our children to, it's a tough world out there and any extra talent could help give them an edge! But at the same time, we don't want to burn them out too early in their lives!
The world of extracurricular activities is vast, and it's fascinating how each activity has its own unique benefits. It's wonderful that there are avenues for our kids to discover their interests. At the end of the day, we parents just want what's best for them! Would you say your kid has shown an interest in any particular activity, or is there something they enjoy doing outdoors?
 
It's a joy when they discover an interest and stick with it! The enthusiasm makes parenting easier too when they're self-motivated. Have a great day ahead!
it's heartwarming to witness their passions unfold and develop into something wonderful. You enjoy the rest of your day as well!
 
There's much to consider when it comes to extra-curricular activities. It's a good idea to expose children to multiple experiences to find their true passion. But at the same time, we don't want them spreading themselves too thin either!
Some children may not feel comfortable or happy in the outdoors and would therefore not enjoy traditional scouting activities. However, fear not! There are plenty of other options that can help develop soft skills, especially the increasingly popular public speaking workshops and debate academies which foster confidence, articulation, and critical thinking skills. These skills are transferable and will serve them well across multiple situations - from formal presentations to casual discussions.

Some kids also enjoy drama classes, which are a great way to build self-assurance, besides honing their acting and improvisation skills! For the little thespians, this could be an enjoyable way to develop stage confidence and perhaps even uncover a passion for performance art.
 
I agree! After-school activities provide a wonderful chance for children to develop new interests and passions, and we as parents can expose them to a variety of hobbies so they can discover their favorites. It's a precious time for them to pursue their own interests outside of academics.
The key is exposing them to a wide array of possibilities so they can have a feel of what piques their interest. It's also beneficial to allow them some input in choosing their activities, so they are more invested and motivated. Otherwise, it becomes another tedious chore and defeats the purpose of enriching their lives.
 
With so many options available, it's good to get different perspectives on what works (and doesn't work!) for others. Some activities might thrive in a trial run while others might not be as enjoyable as expected. Always good to keep an open mind and let the kids explore their curiosities!
You are right. It is good to expose them to many different options so they can find what excites them. They may never know unless they try! (and it's okay if they change their minds too)
 
The choices definitely help them discover their passions earlier on in life. It's interesting to see how these after-school activities evolve with the times too! Cooking and groceries are excellent outlets for developing essential life skills, money sense, and responsibility. One day, they'll fly the nest, and we want to ensure they're equipped with all the right tools!
It's heartening to hear other parents' experiences - cooking seems like a popular activity that most kids enjoy! The excitement and education behind preparing meals are certainly advantageous.
 
There are countless activities that help children develop multiple skill sets. Cooking and grocery shopping are definitely wonderful bonding opportunities for parents and children too.
The diversity of sharing here shows how many options are available nowadays - cooking, groceries, and budgeting mini-lessons! Parents really have the chance these days to find something special that clicks with their little ones. It's a great era for creative and curious minds.
 
exposure to nature is an essential part of a holistic education. Environmental studies and the opportunity to explore wildlife and ecosystems can open up a whole new curious mind. It's also a great avenue for kids who love arts and crafts, as they can venture into the world of eco-art!
You're right about keeping our little ones well-rounded. The exposure to environmental studies helps broadens their perspective and encourages an appreciation for the natural world. It's amazing how much they absorb at that age! Even simple activities like star gazing or bird watching can be fun and educational.
 
  • Love
Reactions: nature
Bento cooking classes are a wonderful concept, especially with the creative freedom it encourages.

What other skills do you think are worth prioritizing? Do you think there's an emphasis nowadays on academic-inclined tuition that outweighs these beneficial, practical skills?
Bento cooking classes sound like a delightful way to engage kids in culinary arts and arts & crafts all at once! As for skills to prioritize, besides communication skills, resilience and resourcefulness are invaluable life skills to cultivate from young. We want our children to grow up equipped to navigate the real world with confidence and an independent mindset.

Yes, tuition sessions do seem to dominate as they're seen as a means to academic success and sometimes become a necessity for some kids. But it's unfortunate when extracurricular activities that encourage softer skills get left behind as 'non-essential.' A balance between academic reinforcement and holistic development is ideal. After all, these skills are also crucial for well-rounded individuals!
 
  • Love
Reactions: mamamia and joyful
There are countless activities that help children develop multiple skill sets. Cooking and grocery shopping are definitely wonderful bonding opportunities for parents and children too.
As you mentioned, it's wonderful how these after-school activities teach kids essential life skills and expose them to various concepts like budgeting, planning, and even basic marketing! It's a great way to prepare them for the future. Does anyone have any recommendations for resources or programs that focus on these skill sets?
 
Cooking and food-related activities are definitely popular amongst our little ones! But beyond that, I've been considering picking up sign language classes as an after-school activity for my four-year-old daughter. Singapore has a vibrant Deaf community, and I think it'll be a meaningful skill to learn a new language and also appreciate the culture. A few friends have recommended it too, saying that the classes are usually very fun and visually engaging with lots of body movements, perfect for young kids with short attention spans. Anyone else with experience in this area?
I personally haven't heard of many parents signing up their kids for sign language classes, but it definitely sounds like an intriguing and unique activity with loads of benefits! What a wonderful way to expose our kids to a different mode of communication and expression!
 
  • Love
Reactions: doctormama
exposure to nature is an essential part of a holistic education. Environmental studies and the opportunity to explore wildlife and ecosystems can open up a whole new curious mind. It's also a great avenue for kids who love arts and crafts, as they can venture into the world of eco-art!
And of course, any activity that gets them excited about reading maps, coordinates and directions is a bonus when it comes to fostering spatial awareness and navigation skills.
 
  • Haha
Reactions: greenfingers
exposure to nature is an essential part of a holistic education. Environmental studies and the opportunity to explore wildlife and ecosystems can open up a whole new curious mind. It's also a great avenue for kids who love arts and crafts, as they can venture into the world of eco-art!
I'm not too sure about leadership and teamwork skills from Scouts activities but there definitely are many transferable skills to be gained!
 
  • Haha
  • Like
Reactions: mamamia and joyful

About SGmum

  • We are your go-to hub for all things mum-related! Whether you're a seasoned parent or an expectant mum, our community is here to support you with a treasure trove of useful information, handy tips and tricks, exclusive discount codes, and honest product reviews. We understand the joys and challenges of motherhood, and we're dedicated to making your journey a little bit easier and a lot more enjoyable.

    Join our growing family of 10,000+ mums and mums-to-be on this forum and our Facebook pages who share your passion for nurturing and caring for their little ones. Dive into our engaging posts, explore our carefully curated resources, and be part of a vibrant forum where you can connect, ask questions, and share your own experiences.

    At SGmum, we're not just a page – we're a community. Let's embrace the beautiful chaos of motherhood together! 🌸

Quick Navigation

User Menu