Preschools are much more important in a student’s life than you might think. Things and skills that children learn during their preschool age stay with them for a lifetime. Therefore, it is essential that preschool teachers pay special attention to boosting children’s creativity and other important skills. The extracurricular activities that students participate in play a vital role in their overall development. Let us have a look at some of the greatest benefits of extracurricular activities for students:
1. Inquire Children with Open-Ended Queries
Extracurricular activities are not always about following some specific skill or hobby. It can also be as simple as developing the critical thinking skills of children. As a teacher or parent, you can ask your child questions that require answers longer than simple ‘Yes’ or ‘No.’
Ask them open-ended questions like ‘What would you do if you saw a mouse chewing your favorite dress?’ or anything like that. Such questions require critical thinking. Hence, your child can develop their own ideas and learn to think critically.
2. Foster Their Hobbies and Interests
It is important to recognize and appreciate your child’s passion from a young age. If they seem to be more interested in a particular subject, they will more likely want to pursue a career in it. Not necessarily an academic subject, but their interest may lie out of that as well.
Your child may be passionate about sports, dance, music, drawing, or something else. It’s the responsibility of the parents and teachers to help their children identify their passion and explore it. The best way to do this is by encouraging them to participate in extracurricular activities.
3. Interrogate Children with Open-Ended Queries4. Allocate Time for Creative Art
The best way to stimulate the creative skills of students is by allowing them to create their own artwork. Let them choose their creative activity as per their interests. You can give them multiple options to choose from, including crayons/pencil colors artwork, artwork made using brushes or sponges, and artwork made by cutting or pasting papers.
They should be given the independence to create their artwork. It not only boosts their creativity but also makes them feel more confident about their own skills. The best creative learning playschools in Malad West allow children to independently explore their creative skills.
5. Regulate Screen Time
Increased screen time for children is becoming a big concern for parents these days. Kids get nothing out of watching television or playing games on mobile. It’s just like sitting with no creativity and no engagement in front of a screen which also impacts their eyesight. You can let them watch their favorite cartoon, but the screen time should be strictly limited.
You can ensure this by getting the child busy in extracurricular activities. As a teacher, you can give your students creative homework so that they get less time to sit in front of the TV. Similarly, parents can get involved in some activities like reading a storybook, playing mat puzzle games, etc, with their child.
6. Participate in Creative Activities Together
If you have recognized your child’s passion, the best way to support them is by participating in their favorite activities with them. For example, if your child is interested in making paper crafts, help them complete their artwork.
Even just sitting with them and appreciating them for what they do will encourage them to explore their passion further and get even better at it. This not only makes your child feel more confident but also strengthens the parent-child relationship.
7. Permit Children to Arrange Playdates
Planning every game that your child should play with their friends? Don’t do that. Your parents most probably were not planning each and everything you did with your friends in your childhood. Children should have the independence to arrange their playdates on their own.
You can just keep a check on them after every few minutes, but let them do it on their own. It improves their communication and social skills. Also, they learn to make decisions and manage conflicts on their own. It’s not just applicable for parents, but even preschool teachers can follow this. Top pre-schools in Goregaon East are already encouraging such practices.
8. Invest Time Outdoors with Children
Spending some quality time in nature can be beneficial for the physical as well as mental health of your children. Take them out on morning or evening walks regularly. With this, they will build the habit of spending some time with nature. It also fosters curiosity and deep thinking skills in children.
Conclusion
During a child’s preschool age, it’s the responsibility of their parents as well as teachers to help them identify and explore their passion. This is the age when children can develop their creative thinking skills. By providing them with the right resources, giving them the independence to do things, and appreciating them for what they do, you can boost their confidence and help them get better at things. Preschool education plays a vital role in the creative learning of students. Hence, parents must ensure that they choose the right preschool for their kid.
