3 minute read
The Extra (curricular) Importance of Enrichment this Fall
Aftermonths of quarantine, kids are going back to school –– remotely. Although we obviously want to keep our young ones safe, many parents agree that this is a less-than-ideal situation. Some are increasingly concerned their children will fall behind academically; others are worried they’ll no longer have access to essential needs such as meals or special education services; some have noticed signs of anxiety or depression in their kids; and pretty much everyone is wondering about future health consequences of all of this on today’s youth.
According to the CDC, “Schools play a critical role in supporting the whole child, not just the academic achievement of students.” So with schools closed, how can parents help children navigate not only academics, but also physical, social and emotional health?
Extracurricular activities have always been important, but with COVID-19 continuing to disrupt normal school days, what kids do during afterschool hours may be more important than ever. Fortunately, extracurricular activities come in many forms and offer some key opportunities at this time. Whichever ones you choose, remind children to help reduce the spread of disease by washing hands frequently, maintaining a six-foot distance from others when possible, and wearing a face covering outside of home. Some of the many benefits of afterschool activities include:
Academic enrichment:
If you are concerned about your child’s learning, you’re certainly not alone. After all, not every child has the resources or drive to thrive in school remotely. To bridge any learning gaps, extracurricular academic programs can offer fun ways to better grasp educational subjects like math or writing. Or, for advanced kids who don’t feel challenged by virtual classes, enrichment programs may improve overall engagement.
Social interaction:
Because the carefree days of classroom friends, recess play and afterschool gatherings are currently on hold, kids are missing out on quality time with peers. Extracurricular programs can help children reconnect with others in safe, supervised environments.
Physical activity:
For physical and mental health purposes, it’s critical to keep kids moving around. Because program availability is limited right now, this might be the perfect opportunity to try something new. Consider outdoor activities with limited contact, such as swimming, tennis, golf, walking, running and biking. If you can’t find an active program in your neighborhood, consider a virtual dance class— just be sure to set aside additional outdoor time.
Supporting a special talent or interest:
Perhaps your child loves music or is a budding artist. Encourage these passions and talents outside of school. Many local organizations have found new ways to support creativity this year. For example, Hot Spot Studio offers a socially distanced camp, private lessons via Zoom, or outdoor table reservations for your household group.
Improved time management:
Along with keeping kids busy, participating in enrichment activities encourages them to better manage their time. You may notice that homework, for instance, gets completed more quickly when it needs to be done before sports practice begins. Take care not to overschedule, since downtime is also important for healthy development.
Sense of community:
The longer this pandemic continues, the more isolating it can become. One way to give children a sense of belonging is to allow them to work with others towards a common goal. This can be achieved through a number of different extracurricular activities including training for a team sports competition, creating an online musical ensemble, or completing a volunteer project that benefits the entire community. v
Lisa Pawlak is an award-winning contributing writer, mom of two boys and resident of Encinitas.
