Today's children have an incredible variety of extracurricular activities available to them from very early on. Following up a young child's natural interest with an organized class in dance, sport, art, music, or another interest is a delight for both children and their parents.

Classes are fun and clearly a source of learning for children about themselves and what they can do in their world. With careful assessment, parents can find enjoyable, interesting classes and activities for young children that support learning and are appropriate for their child's unique abilities and interests throughout development.

How to Choose?

Deciding what activity to begin with can be harder than it sounds. Parents should consider a child's individual interests and temperament; a child who loves to clap and listen to music may become shy, withdrawn, or downright fussy in music class with other children. Keep in mind there is a tremendous amount of stimulation for a young child in a new class setting.

Other important considerations for choosing a class include the class schedule, location, price, juggling with schedules of other siblings, and safety. A three-year-old who loves to watch ice skating and begs for lessons may have another view of the sport the first time she stands precariously on ice. Activities should be be positive learning experiences, so there is nothing wrong with waiting until the child is developmentally ready and able.

What Activities and When

Babies and Toddlers

• As early as a few weeks of being a parent, you and your child can enroll in a parent support class or baby gym where you meet other new parents and their babies. These classes are usually facilitated by child development/parenting specialists and are a wonderful way to become connected to others entering this new chapter in life. While initially babies sleep or gaze at each other during class, in no time they will move and interact with their playgroup buddies.
• Music classes can be wonderful for young children. Whether sitting on a parent's lap or standing up and dancing, children participate and learn in their own ways. Some classes are organized and facilitated by music teachers who sing, play instruments, and have appropriate expectations for a class of babies and toddlers. Or for a more casual approach, some neighborhood moms groups have set up weekly music classes where parents take turns facilitating. Either way allows children to learn and parents to socialize and cut a rug.

  Preschoolers & Gradeschoolers
  
  Some children are naturally interested in participating in an organized class that focuses on a specific activity.

  • T-ball, soccer, and gymnastics are very popular for active little ones. These classes introduce children to the equipment, vocabulary, and rules of the game (including safety). Kids get a feel for the sport, have fun, and get some healthy exercise. Once the novelty of a new class wears off, parents have the opportunity to assess whether there is a genuine interest and if future classes that are more in-depth are appropriate.

  • A popular activity to ease children into a more structured experience is the neighborhood library story time. This helps kids learn to sit with peers and work on listening skills while enjoying interesting stories.
    
    
  • For children who enjoy music class but are ready for something a little more structured, the next step may be a dance class. These classes vary in the type of dance instruction and amount of structure. For younger children, a class that is looser in structure and somewhat repetitive in class content – so children know what to expect – yields the happiest and most participative students.
    
    
  • Another option is a music class that is specific to this age group. The teachers in these classes share songs and talk about instruments, rhythm, and movement in ways that are appropriate for the preschooler. Preschoolers can still enjoying exploring instruments in their own creative ways, and children 6 - 10 can start with piano lessons or learning other instruments.
    
    
  • There are debates about whether or not it is appropriate for young children to learn the basics of swimming and skiing. Some feel earlier instruction gives children and their parents a false sense of security. Others claim that if the child is interested, there is no harm in exposure to the sport as long as a parent or caregiver is participating. No matter how athletically gifted a child appears to be, parents and caregivers need to keep watch over their children while they participate in all sports.
    
    
  • Art class is a wonderful activity that is appropriate for preschool ages. These classes do not teach how to draw, but rather provide materials to explore and create. It's a hands-on experience for children to manipulate different mediums. Besides supporting an interest, art classes provide a more "quiet" activity that is often helpful for those long afternoons without naps.