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Brain Power Boost
Extracurricular activities enhance academics, development & character BY ERIN PAGE
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xtracurricular activities like sports or creative arts provide opportunities for fun, friendship and skill-building. But did you know they can be fundamental to your child’s brain development? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, childhood experiences—both positive and negative—impact a child’s lifelong health and opportunity.
“There are many ingredients necessary in a child’s life to help him or her reach his full potential,” said Jane Sutter, president & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Oklahoma County. “At the most basic level, a core ingredient is a safe environment with nurturing adults.”
extracurricular activities to help them gain social experience critical to development.
When children are afforded stable, nurturing relationships in environments like extracurricular or after-school programs provide, their physical, emotional, social, behavioral and intellectual capacities all benefit, positively impacting their health and skill development. Tammy Lawson, education director for Special Care, Inc., said students need to be involved in
Lifelong skills and lessons gained from extracurricular activities take students far past their little league or music lessons days, developing well-rounded kids. Here are a few of the benefits you can expect your kids to gain in after-school activities.
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AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES GUIDE
“They are able to learn how to act around their peers, while still being supervised by an adult, which creates a certain level of comfort,” said Lawson.
processes,” said Gilliam. “Music students tend to be more creative and show an increased ability to solve problems and set goals.”
Improve academically. The AfterSchool Alliance reports children who participate in after-school programs see improvements in their classroom behavior and increase their likelihood of moving on to the next grade level and graduating. In fact, the 21st Century Community Learning Centers initiative (the only federally-funded source dedicated exclusively to before-school, after-school and summer learning programs) reports a third of its after-school program participants improved English grades, nearly three quarters improving math grades and two thirds improving classroom behavior. More than 120 communities in Oklahoma are served by a CCLC program.
Backbeat Garage’s preschool program teaches music and math in tandem. Presented as an adventure on a train, the class helps students understand math concepts like pattern recognition, number sense and graphing, all through music. “It is amazing to observe the higher level thinking skills that preschool students are capable of demonstrating and accomplishing,” said Gilliam.
Serve others. Boy Scouts of America places tremendous value on getting participants involved in their communities to volunteer their time and talents. Scouts see firsthand the impact of serving others.
Backbeat Garage in Edmond offers music lessons for all ages and owner Debbie Gilliam’s programs are based on the idea that music skills lead to greater academic achievement.
“They realize the joy of any occasion is to be on the giving side of the equation,” said Theresa James, development executive for the Last Frontier Council of Boy Scouts of America. “It helps to take the focus off
“Music impacts the brain functions related to spatial reasoning, including problem solving, mathematics and creative scientific
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AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES GUIDE
themselves and onto the greater good of their community.” Thanks to a new scouting program for kindergartners, even more boys will have the opportunity to gain a foundation of servitude, which James said is important to teach when kids are young. “Research shows that brain development primarily occurs in the first years of a child’s life, and the earlier we emphasize the importance of traits such as honesty, loyalty and reverence, the better,” said James. The Lion program for the Last Frontier Council will begin this fall, meeting once a month to teach the values and morals of scouting through fun activities and lessons. Parents will participate along with their children with the intent of strengthening their bond. “Today’s families more than ever struggle to find time to spend together,” said James, “Cub Scouting helps support families by providing ready-made opportunities for you and your son to do together.”
for ages 3 and up.
Learn to express themselves and appreciate creativity.
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“The human spirit needs outlets of expression,” said Sutter, who enjoys watching students at Boys & Girls Club gain exposure to art, music, technology and sports, sometimes for the first time. “Children particularly need to be able to express themselves through visual art, music and dance. With the budget shortfalls in our public education system, arts and sports are often the first areas to be cut.” That diminished funding for the arts in schools means parents often have to look elsewhere for programs where students can discover, create and perform. According to Shannon Price, executive director of the Edmond Fine Arts Institute, learning to create and appreciate visual aesthetics is an important part of a child’s education. From preschool through high school, FAI students can participate in a wide variety of creative arts like theatre, music, painting, drawing, sculpture and even jewelry-making classes. “Many activities in school, and in children’s daily lives, require a specific answer,” said Price. “Performing and visual arts allow children to think outside the box, use creative problem solving skills and discover multiple answers for a variety of questions through trial and error.” Lawson and Price agree that participating in creative arts has a positive impact on students’ performance in school, developing motor skills, spatial awareness, language skills, cultural awareness, confidence, collaborative skills and problem-solving. “When kids are encouraged to express themselves and take risks in creating art, they develop a sense of innovation that is important in their adult lives,” Price said.
Become team players. Kids grow into adults who must know how to work well with others. Whether it be in an office setting or in their families, teamwork is an important life skill. Mike Roark, district executive director for the Edmond YMCA, said team sports teach kids they have value by showing them how learning and developing their individual skills will help their team. The Y’s team sports program offers a variety of sports like soccer, basketball, baseball and volleyball
soonertheatre.com
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While competitive sports offer a great framework in which to learn teamwork, more individualized sports like gymnastics also teach important lessons about being a team player. Sarah Brawley owns Metro Gymnastics and said learning to support and value the other members of a gymnastics team teaches invaluable lessons. Metro Gymnastics offers classes for all ages from toddlers through competitive team gymnastics and working cooperatively and in support of each other is emphasized at all levels. “The children encourage each other on a daily basis,” said Brawley. “They can relate to the hard work that goes into the accomplishment of achieving an easy or very difficult skill.” Boy Scouts also focuses on teaching members to share, make friends, work together and help one another. “Like sports, Scouting teaches teamwork,” said James. “Unlike sports that frequently emphasize competition and winning, Scouting fosters friendship and camaraderie.” James believes learning teamwork without the competitive spirit gives boys confidence to becoming leaders, and learn the value of being kind, helpful and humble.
Develop their own passions and step out of their comfort zones. There is a sense of empowerment and independence when kids get to assert which activities they want to spend time learning and perfecting. Finding and developing their own passions can help them feel comfortable and confident about their identity during a time in their lives when self-esteem is often lacking. “Activities outside of school gave me an independence and value system that was all mine, not one that was determined by the public opinion at school,” said Gilliam. Finding activities they are good at and enjoy increases kids’ self-esteem. Sometimes that means they have to be pushed a little out of their comfort zones, which Lawson said can be beneficial. “It helps them learn to evaluate the risk and determine how to proceed,” said Lawson. “It helps to teach courage and gives them a tremendous sense of accomplishment when
AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES GUIDE
they achieve something they otherwise may not have tried.”
Value healthy lifestyles. In an age when childhood obesity prevalent, learning the value in movement is crucial. One of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Oklahoma County’s main goals for its members is learning to make healthy lifestyle choices, through both exercise and nutritious food. “Physical activity is important for a healthy mind and body,” said Sutter. “Youth who do not have after school activities are more likely to spend their days in front of a TV.” Boys & Girls Club offers daily recreational sports like karate, soccer, basketball, volleyball, wrestling and even ballet. Both Roark and Brawley see their programs as key ingredients in giving kids a better quality of life for the long-term. “We encourage children to be physically active and hope that each child will want to be active throughout their lifetime,” said Brawley. The Y has a “healthy snacks” requirement for all of its team sports, encouraging parents to provide good fuel for the team after each game.
“We want them to gain the confidence to know they can do anything they set their mind to and reach their goal,” said Brawley.
Gain a lifelong love of learning. School can be stressful, particularly for kids who struggle. Even for those for whom academics come easily, the “forced” nature of school can make kids balk and parents doubt their kids will ever enjoy learning. But, when they get to choose how they spend their time in an extracurricular activity they enjoy, it promotes the idea that learning can be enjoyable. “We all have different learning styles,” said Gilliam. “After school activities provide a more flexible and accepting environment without the pressure of state testing and school rules.” Whether through music, art or sports, kids gain tools to express themselves for the rest of their lives and learn skills they can continue to hone and enjoy into adulthood. “Music is a lifelong skill,” said Gilliam. “It's not about creating concert pianists.”
“Learning the importance of the types of things that you need to fuel your body with, such as fruit and water, helps to expose, encourage and reinforce healthy habits during sporting activities, as well as when they aren’t participating in sports,” said Roark.
Learn selfdiscipline and time management. Many extracurricular activities require commitment and consistency, even more than talent, according to Gilliam. Learning to stick with something, even when it gets difficult or tiring, teaches kids responsibility. “Those requirements are difficult and somewhat foreign in our current society,” said Gilliam. “I believe those are exactly the things our kids need to give them the skills to be successful adults.” Gilliam hopes her Backbeat Garage students come away with a desire to pursue excellence in all areas of their lives. For gymnastics students at the competitive level, the sport can require much time and effort, and an ability to balance that with school and other activities. Commitment and
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hardworking ethics are cornerstones in what Brawley strives to impart to all the students at Metro Gymnastics.
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Striking a balance is key Because every child is different, each will enjoy varied levels of activity. Activities must be balanced with kids’ schoolwork, family time, getting enough sleep and exercising. Just as important as structured activities is ample time for free play, particularly for young kids. “In our busy world, it is important to remember that children need free play,” said Lawson. “This is how they learn to problem-solve. Often children who are overscheduled burn out and lose interest in any extra activities.” As a mom, James agrees that a good mix of activities and time to relax is key. She finds that time around the dinner table is usually the best time to learn about her kids’ concerns, stresses, friends, achievements and aspirations. “Good communication is the best way to know if your child is stressed or overextended,” said James. “It is critical to carve out two nights or so each week that are off limits to outside interference and are strictly for family time.”
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After-School Activities Guide In addition to helping your child learn, develop skills and build confidence, participating in after-school activities can also aid in your child’s healthy development. The perfect extracurricular activity can have benefits way past the lessons or games themselves; they are an excellent place for children to learn perseverance and other important character traits and life skills. Our 2016 After-School Activities Guide is here to help you find a great way to get your child involved this school year. Search it online at www.metrofamilymagazine. com/after-school-activities.
Cadence Equestrian offers year-round horseback riding lessons for children. Enroll anytime by calling or visiting the website. For ages 5 and up.
14150 S. Pine St. 405-348-7469 www.cadenceequestrian.com
3309 E. Hefner Rd. 405-254-2063 www.campfirehok.org
Camp Fire ignites leadership, team-building and self-reliance with activities that help youth discover more about themselves, their community, outdoors, the arts and science. Metro Club meets at Camp DaKaNi on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month.Volunteer-Led Clubs are led by trained volunteers. Join an existing club or start your own. Camps hosted August 2016 through April 2017. Members get discounts on programs and services. Contact Sarah Kegin at 405-254-2063 or visit website to enroll. For Pre-K-12th Grade. $15/year.
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725 W. Chickasha Ave. 405-224-2281 www.dovedance.com
27 E. Edwards, Edmond 405-340-4481 www.edmondfinearts.com
The Fine Arts Institute has been fostering creativity and excitement for 31 years with educational enrichment for children and adults in the visual and performing arts. Class curriculum includes drawing, painting, clay, pottery, theatre arts, mixed media, printmaking, jewelry design and seasonal art. Teachers are trained artists and each class has a maximum of a 12:1 student-teacher ratio. Fall classes begin Aug. 29. Enroll online. Ages 3 and up. $12/hour.
Archery Classes 2733 Marilyn Williams Dr. 405-359-4630 www.edmondok.com/parks/rec
2733 Marilyn Williams Dr., Edmond 405-359-4630 www.edmondok.com/parks/rec
6008 N.W. 120th Ct. 405-722-2379 www.gingersmusic.com
Edmond Parks & Recreation offers an after-school archery program to teach skills and techniques. Classes are offered weekly in September, October, March, April and May. Call to enroll. For ages 8-17. $40/month.
Edmond Parks & Recreation offers an array of classes for ages 2 and up (through adults) including social painting, dance, theatre, pottery, arts and crafts, guitar, basketball and cheerleading. Weekly classes are hosted all year and camps are held during Spring Break and summer. Call to enroll. Class prices range from free to $40; camps range up to $240.
Ginger’s Music OKC offers more than simple music lessons. Classes contribute to social, emotional, intellectual and physical development. Fall, winter and summer classes available. Call to schedule a free preview class and to enroll. Birth to 7 years old. $220-$320/semester.
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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Dove Dance offers dance classes in classic ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, lyrical, acrobatics and hip hop with a focus on Christian and family values. Staff certified through DMA and DEA. Classes begin Aug. 22. Register online.Ages 3 and up.
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After-School Activities Guide
6100 N. Robinson 405-528-4475 www.gswestok.org
1813 N.W. 195th Cir, Edmond 405-225-7048 www.i9sports.com
Seven metro locations 405-625-1506 www.kumon.com
2000 N.W. 150th St. 405-805-6283 www.littlespanishbridge.com
14020 N. Western Ave. 405-285-9643 www.okc.madscience.org
Girl Scouts Western Oklahoma gives girls the opportunity to take the lead and become go-getters, innovators and risk-takers.An emphasis is placed on helping girls learn leadership skills. Girl Scouts discover science, technology, engineering and math through special activities and learn how to identify issues and solve problems in the community. Program offered throughout the academic year.Visit website to enroll. Grades K-12. $15/year, scholarships available.
i9 Sports offers youth sports leagues, camps and clinics in popular sports like flag football, soccer, basketball, t-ball and cheerleading. i9 puts the focus on fun, safety, convenience and good sportsmanship.All skill levels are welcome and there are no tryouts. Everyone plays equal time and no fundraising is required. Practice is conveniently scheduled prior to games for a one day a week commitment. Enroll online.Ages 3-12. $99-$140, sibling discounts available.
Kumon is the largest after-school supplemental math and reading program in the world. Instructors design individualized lesson plans to ensure success and develop a love of learning, strong study skills and confidence. Kumon math is a comprehensive program to develop skills to help students progress from counting through calculus. Kumon reading promotes growth from basic phonics through advanced college comprehension. Classes are offered yearround. Call center nearest you to enroll. Ages 3-18. $125/ student/month.
Little Spanish Bridge’s after-school program offers exercise, dance and singing in a fun environment to promote language development. Learn Spanish in a multi-age full immersion studio complete with fun activities and arts and crafts.Ages 4 and up. Classes start August 2016. Space is limited. Enroll online. $80-$140.
Mad Science provides year-round hands-on activities in science, technology, engineering and math to schools, day cares, churches and other after-school programs. Call for details, prices and enrollment information. For preschool through 8th grade.
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The OCU Community Dance Center offers classes in tap, jazz, ballet, hip hop and creative movement. Classes begin Sept. 6. Call or visit website to enroll. $45-$100/month.
2501 N. Blackwelder 405-208-5508 www.okcu.edu/communitydance
Paint ’N Station offers drop-in hands-on arts activities like canvas printing, paint-and-take sameday projects and pottery fun.Activities offered year-round. $7+/project.
7906 N. May Ave. 405-842-7770 www.paintnstation.com
2020 Remington Pl. 405-602-3760 www.sciencemuseumok.org
2401 Chautauqua Ave., Norman 405-325-4712 www.samnoblemuseum.ou.edu
Science Museum Oklahoma offers opportunities for students in 1st-6th grade to enjoy two-day fall camps Oct. 13-14 and Oct. 20-21. Programs help kids explore science, including chemistry, engineering, electricity and more and are offered at $100 for non-members and $90 for museum members. SMO also provides Science Overnights throughout the school year.The next general program is scheduled for Nov. 14 and features the theme Harry Potter. Reservations should be made by calling the museum or emailing reservations@sciencemuseumok.org.
Spike's Club meets for five weeks and focuses on investigating animals and the natural world. Students study museum objects, play games and create science projects. Grades 1-5. Register online by Sept. 20 at SamNobleMuseum.ou.edu/programs.
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AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES GUIDE
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
1700 N.E. 63rd St. 405-478-2250 www.nationalcowboymuseum.org
Activities include visits to museum galleries with related art projects and guest speakers.Activities may include printmaking, weaving, flute making, soap carving, working in clay, watercolor painting and experiencing a one-room schoolhouse. Programming will meet select Oklahoma PASS standards. Fall sessions: Sept. 12 to Nov. 18. Free for schools to sign up. Museum may be able to reimburse travel costs. Offered on multiple days or once weekly each week for four weeks. Email dfields@ nationalcowboymuseum.org to enroll.
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After-School Activities Guide
4520 Old Farm Rd. 405-748-3888 www.soccercityokcity.com
140 W. 15th St., Edmond 405-473-2975 www.solidrockbasketball.com
420 S. Santa Fe Ave. 405-348-3377 www.studiojdanceok.com
The Dance Department 1110 S. Air Depot Ste. 11 405-732-7722 www.thedancedepartmentokc.com
415 Couch Dr. 405-236-3100 www.okcmoa.com
SoccerCity OKC offers the Lil’ Kickers Child Development Program to develop technical soccer skills and mastery in 50-minute age-appropriate sessions. Call for a free trial class. Sessions are offered year-round. Next session starts Aug. 29. Call or visit website to enroll.Ages 18 months to 9 years. $14/ class with an annual membership fee of $25 per individual or $40 per family.A typical session runs 13 weeks.
Solid Rock Basketball provides tools for young players to reach maximum potential as a basketball player, teammate and person.Year-round opportunities are offered in skills training, camps, club teams, leagues, tournaments and more. Enroll online. Grades K-12. Prices vary.
Studio J offers students of all ages and abilities the opportunity for self-expression and faith through dance. Ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, lyrical contemporary and clogging classes all are taught by instructors with a combined 85 years of professional experience. Class session runs September through May. Enroll online.Ages 3-18. $50 and up.
The Dance Department provides instruction in ballet, tap, jazz, modern dance, hip hop, leaps and turns and creative movement. Classes begin Aug. 18. Register online or at the studio on Aug. 11 from 4 to 8 p.m.Ages 3 and up. $40-$55. Multi-class discount available.
Museum classes, workshops and camps are designed for beginning and intermediate students of all ages and aim to facilitate the discovery of students’ abilities in and appreciation for the visual arts through instruction, experimentation and creativity.All offerings are facilitated by professional teaching artists. Many classes include visits to the galleries. Registration for fall classes opens Aug. 15 at 9 a.m. Call or visit website to register.Ages 15 months and up. Prices vary.
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Twist and Shout Training Center Metro locations in Edmond and Norman www.shouterspirit.com
575 Enterprise Dr., Edmond 405-340-7584 www.unpluggits.com
11122 N Rockwell Ave. #11 405-818-6688 www.oklahomacitydancestudio.com
4300 N. MacArthur Blvd. (inside Victory Church) 405-717-1250 www.victorydance.tv
Twist and Shout Cheerleading and Tumbling program is now enrolling for the 2016-2017 season.Whether your child is a first-time cheerleader and wants to learn to tumble and jump or a seasoned veteran who wants to try out for a world-renowned competitive program, the training center welcomes all levels. Call to enroll.Ages 4 and up.The first class is free. Classes start at $50/month.
Unpluggits offers paint-and-take crafts, paint-your-own pottery and a playground open weekdays until 6 p.m. or later. Drop-in Paint ’N Play (for ages 2-10) includes easel painting, play-dough and time to play on the playground.Visit online calendar to see after-school clay workshops (for ages 5 and up). $8 for drop-in activities, $45 for clay workshops.
Dance classes at Velocity Dance Center are age and developmentally appropriate and take into consideration different learning styles to help children succeed.Teachers aim to spark a love of dance and movement in every child.They’re trained in the Leap N Learn curriculum that was specifically designed for young dancers to help them understand ballet technique and terminology. Classes are scheduled for convenience and the fall session begins Aug. 22. Register online or by phone.Ages 2-18. Classes start at $35.
Victory Dance has been providing dance education in a Christian environment for 18 years. Classes available in ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop and contemporary. Competition teams are available.All teachers and staff have teaching certificates and/or degrees in dance. Open House on Aug. 13; classes start Aug. 22. Enroll online as early as Aug. 5.Ages 3-18. $45 registration fee. Monthly fees begin at $55.
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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
110 E. Main St., Norman 405-321-9600 www.soonertheatre.com
The Studio of The Sooner Theatre offers performing arts classes in musical theatre, play, dance technique, improv, voice and more. Enrollment event offered Aug. 15 for current students and Aug. 16 for new and/or current students. May also enroll by phone. For ages 3-18. $360-$510/year.
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After-School Activities Guide Wake Zone has wakeboard classes and activities offered daily. Register online or on-site.Ages 7 and up. $30-$60.
3501 N.E. 10th St. 405-702-0404 www.cablewakezone.com
300 W. 33rd, Edmond 405-216-5133 www.yogablissok.com
Yoga Bliss Family Studio is the home of The Kidz Yoga Fairy who shares yoga with children through music, games, crafts and story time. Classes bring out the star in every child one breath at a time. Fall classes begin in September.After-school classes are 45 minutes and include a nutritious snack. Call or visit website for more information on registering. Drop-ins welcome. $12 per class.
After-School Program: The YMCA is the area’s largest provider of school-age childcare before and after school for more than 700 area children each day who would otherwise be home alone when the school day ends. Children are given the opportunity to express their individual talents in a safe and wellsupervised atmosphere.The after-school program is built around activities that challenge the participants to demonstrate the Y’s values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. Enroll online. Ages 5-12. $25 registration fee per child.Weekly tuition varies based on program plan and membership. Scholarships available.
THE YMCA OF GREATER OKLAHOMA CITY Various metro locations www.ymca.org
YMCA Sports Programs: Many branches of YMCA OF GREATER OKC offer sports leagues, including baseball, softball, basketball, volleyball, martial arts, swimming and more. Opportunities are provided for kids to learn specific sports skills in a supportive atmosphere. Leadership, teamwork and cooperation are taught and the emphasis with every sport and team is on having fun. Contact individual branches for specific offerings and find more at http://ymcaokc.org/ children-youth/youth-sports.
Search our entire After-School Activities Guide online at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/ after-school-activities METROFAMILY MAGAZINE
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