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Guitar Lessons for Kids

If your kid is showing notice in music or if you would like to give them the chance to learn a new pastime, then kids guitar lessons could be a good choice. There are some important things to understand about the differences between kids and adults when it comes to learning to play guitar. The two most important rules are that first appreciate that it is difficult for kids to start learning guitar and so do all you can to make it easier. Secondly, appreciate that it can be frustrating and dull, so do all you can to make it fun. Usually, a child starts taking interest as young as 5 years old, but as you are the one who knows your child the best, you can decide what age you believe they could begin. Some kids will be ready to begin guitar lessons at age seven while others might not be ready until they are ten or even older. The biggest physical hurdle young kids generally need to overcome when learning guitar is their lack of fine motor skills and hand strength. Switching chords on guitar needs nimble fingers and many kids don't develop the required level of dexterity until they are eight or nine. The first lesson would start with instructing on how to correctly hold the instrument, ensuring comfort. This will move onto teaching them how to create their first tone. There are many 1/2 size guitars available that should feel comfortable for even the smallest hands. It is important to realise that students vary quite considerably in terms of how quickly (or indeed slowly) they are able to develop skills or take on board information.

Usually, a child starts taking interest as young as 5 years old, but as you are the one who knows your child the best, you can decide what age you believe they could begin. The first lesson would start with instructing on how to correctly hold the instrument, ensuring comfort. This will move onto teaching them how to create their first tone. There are many places to find a teacher. Many newspapers and local shops will have adverts for teachers, then you can always look online and also for recommendations from other pupils. If your child is enrolled in guitar lessons, they'll invariably be provided with "homework" - chords, scales and songs to memorize and practice. If not worked on routinely, kids will fall behind, and frustrate both their guitar teacher and themselves. It is well known that children don’t have the attention span that adults have, so it is very important to find out if a group or private lesson is best. You could try both; see which your child is enjoying the most. If they're not showing interest in the guitar, pushing them into lessons may only serve to develop distaste for something they might have otherwise enjoyed. Forcing Young Kids to Learn Guitar Doesn't Produce Results.

Just because a child isn't ready for guitar lessons today doesn't mean you can't make the guitar a part of their lives. On the contrary, introducing kids to the guitar outside the structure of formal guitar lessons can allow them to begin to interact with and appreciate the instrument on their own terms.  Engage with your kids and play them some children's songs that they know. If they want to strum your guitar while you're trying to play, let them. Most children prefer practical sessions rather than theory, so creating a fun lesson makes learning much quicker and easier. Leave a guitar out for your kids to play with. Don't allow them to jump on or smash the guitar, but other than that, let them have free reign. As they develop their interest, they will start to learn the chords.

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Benefits of Martial Arts for Kids

There are a million martial arts schools competing for business these days. It's difficult for a parent to know which one suits their children needs best. No martial art is best for every child but the martial arts in general definitely have benefits that apply to all children. Activities like tae kwon do, kung fu, and aikido are a fun way for both boys and girls to achieve fitness and focus. Some parents may think they also promote violence, but that's a myth, according to experts. Thinking that martial arts instruction promotes violent behaviour is justified if your only experience with the activity comes from television or movies. In fact, many defensive styles teach kids peaceful, non-violent conflict resolution skills and emphasize the importance of avoiding a physical altercation. The martial arts actually help teach self-discipline and socialization skills. Your child will learn that confidence and respect for others comes from a deep sense of self-knowledge.  

Experts say that it's the respect kids learn, whether from bowing or standing still and waiting for the next command, that can be the most important benefit which often carries over into school, helping to improve behaviour and even grades. Kids who don’t always thrive in highly social environments may find it easier to get to know people and make new friends when they’re in a room filled with peers who share a common interest. If you think that martial arts classes are just for kids, think again. Although your little one and his friends might get a kick out of their karate class, there are plenty of programs that offer options for parents to join in as well. Taking a parent-child, or family, martial arts class with your kid also has benefits that can help you to bond with your child and better understand what he is learning.  Joining in on the learning gives you the opportunity to take the training home, practicing together during non-class times. This can provide your child with an extra layer of encouragement and a feeling that you are part of his learning experience. While no sport is completely safe for your child, some parents may wonder if the kicking and punching of a martial arts class makes this type of athletic endeavour more dangerous than others. Taking a family martial arts class with your child can help you to feel more secure in the safety measures that the school has in place to keep your little one from getting unnecessarily hurt. Additionally, you can keep an eye on your child and make sure that she is following safety measures adequately.

Youth sports and physical education programs are great, but not every kid is an athlete and many schools no longer offer physical education. The martial arts offer many benefits, but when it comes to fitness, becoming a true martial artist means becoming a supremely fit person. Finding a good martial arts teacher for your children is ninety percent of the battle. You will need to spend a little time doing research. Fortunately the internet makes this a lot easier. Make a list of the martial art schools in your town and start checking websites for these schools. What you should look for is a school that has a formal education program for its teachers. Talk to the head instructor. You can learn a lot from sitting in on a couple of classes. Does the instructor control the class well? A good instructor will engage his students and make them want to return. A good instructor will demonstrate that they truly care about the advancement of their students in more ways than just the martial arts. Confidence comes with achievement, so your child’s self-esteem level will get a boost with every new move he masters and every belt he earns. Kids who struggle with a low sense of self-worth usually become more confident as time progresses while they’re enrolled in a martial arts class.

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Weighing Cons of Kids Learning a New Language

Your choice to expose your child to second-language education is a choice with lasting effects. Because learning a second language in childhood puts extra cognitive strain on the language centres of the brain, a child learning two languages at once will face different intellectual problems than monolingual children. Parents should learn about the possible negatives before they make an informed choice about whether send their children to foreign language studies. Agreement within the family is perhaps the most essential ingredient.  An insecure spouse may fear being excluded from "the secret language" between the other parent and the child. Discuss and compromise. It is very important that couples find some solution that is acceptable to both parents as well as beneficial to the child. Children are sponges for learning when they're young, and some believe that children have the ability to easily pick up new languages. However, studying a new language as early as in kindergarten may come with unfortunate disadvantages, such as a lack of proper teaching resources or time to achieve measurable results. The academic requirements of a kindergarten classroom may make it difficult to include additional instruction in a foreign language. Native language speakers are the most effective teachers to help kindergarten students learn a new language, and many kindergarten teachers are not native in the foreign language being taught at a particular school. Thus, they may struggle with helping children learn to speak the language comfortably.

After the initial novelty of learning sessions, some young children become frustrated by their inability to express their thoughts in the new language. Others want to speak quickly in that language as they can in their home language. Children should not be told they have made a mistake because any correction will immediately demotivate them. Mistakes may be part of the process of working out grammar rules or they may be a fault in pronunciation. Learning a new language puts extra cognitive strain on children. This strain affects children differently. For example, toddlers have the cognitive capacity to learn approximately 20 new words a month, but this number is for total words. When a toddler’s language input comes in the form of two languages, she might only learn 10 words in her native language a month, learning the other 10 words in her foreign language, which puts her behind in her native language. Millions of students also take classes online. Still, while many successfully use software and online resources to become bilingual, disadvantages remain when learning a second language from your computer. Because you don't spend money on commuting or paying campus housing fees, online learning is cheaper, which is a major plus. Students who log in to computers to learn, however, lose interest in the subject they're studying early on in the process. Learning from the convenience of home, as opposed to a classroom, is not always ideal.

Budget-savvy parents spend big bucks on language lessons because they're investing in bigger pay checks for their kids down the road—but the return on your investment may be smaller than you think. If you're looking for a way to make sure your kid rakes in the big bucks, skip the language lessons and invest that money in graduate school. The closer your child gets to college, the busier his schedule gets. Adding language tutoring a few times a week can swamp your child and bring his overall performance down. Learning a second language can give your kid a boost at school and in his social life, but when it comes to college applications and future earnings, he can be just as successful with one language as with two. Weighing the costs and benefits can help you decide if your child will reap the rewards of learning a second language.

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Foreign Language learning for Kids

Much attention has recently been focused on the importance of early learning experiences on brain development. For years it has been thought that teaching a foreign language to preschool-age children would be futile. However, recent studies indicate that the best time for a child to learn another language is in the first three to four years of life. Young children who acquire language rather than consciously learn it, as older children and adults have to, are more likely to have better pronunciation and feel for the language and culture. When monolingual children reach puberty and become more self-conscious, their ability to pick up language diminishes. Learning a second language can give your child a firmer grasp on his first. Formulating foreign phrases requires the use of grammar skills, which allow him to better understand the rules of his native tongue. 

In addition to developing a lifelong ability to communicate with more people, children may derive other benefits from early language instruction, including improved overall school performance and superior problem-solving skills. Some evidence also suggests that children who receive second language instruction are more creative and better at solving complex problems. Students of foreign languages have access to a greater number of career possibilities and develop a deeper understanding of their own and other cultures. Staffing agents read thousands of résumés per year and bilingual applicants are routinely at the top of the pile. Knowing a second language ultimately provides a competitive advantage in the workforce by opening up additional job opportunities. The benefits to society are many. 

When it comes to teaching kids a second language, there can be a confusing array of choices. Infants can learn by listening, seeing, imitating, and practicing. So talk to them from the start. Tell them what you are doing. Introduce them to rhymes, songs, games, and counting in a second or third language. If you can't speak another language yourself, get plenty of tapes. Consider boarding a foreign student. Most importantly, make learning fun. In a program, Bilingual immersion, learning a second language is integrated with the academic curriculum. Students as young as preschool are placed in a classroom setting where all the teaching, as well as the usual conversation, is done in the language the kids are learning.  Children enrolled in immersion programs work toward full proficiency in the second language and usually reach a higher level of competence than those participating in other language programs. However, these programs may not be available in all school districts, and even then, they usually only offer the most popular languages. FLES programs are more common than immersion programs. A second language is presented as a distinct subject. Typically, the course is taught three to five times per week. Depending on the frequency of the classes and the opportunity for practice, children in these programs may attain substantial proficiency in the language studied. Summer programs offering international exchange are suitable for older children and offer valuable opportunities to speak a second language and explore a different culture firsthand. Children normally live with a host family, which provides them with a safe and sheltered environment where they can practice their language skills. 

Raising multilingual children requires patience, and there are going to be times when doubt sneaks in. As with most aspects of parenting, it's a long term commitment and there will be ups and downs. But remember, that's happening to the parents of the monolingual children too. Don't worry if your child doesn't speak his multiple languages as quickly or as adeptly as his peers. Instead focus upon his successes and marvel at the development of his little brain. Children need to feel that they are making progress. They need continual encouragement as well as praise for good performance, as any success motivates. Parents are in an ideal position to motivate and so help their children learn.

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Teaching Kids How to Play Guitar

Giving guitar lessons for kids is a career path that guitar teachers can consider, aside from giving lessons to adults. Whether you want to start teaching professionally or you are just teaching your own kids to play, there are some important things to understand about the differences between kids and adults when it comes to learning to play guitar. As a guitar teacher you must appreciate that it is difficult for kids to start learning guitar and so must do all you can to make it easier for them. Also appreciate that it can be frustrating and dull, so do all you can to make it fun for them. Guitars come in all shapes and sizes and it can be quite bewildering to someone buying their first guitar. Help them choose the right instrument. Don’t encourage spending too much. It’s worth remembering that they are almost certainly going to want to upgrade after a year anyway. The single most important criteria are: Is the guitar comfortable to hold? As an instructor of the instrument, you know that your career provides opportunities for growth in the form of enhancing playing skills. At an early age, you help your students develop skills that they would use later on in their musical careers. Learning to tune a guitar is actually quite tricky for kids. Asking a child to learn to tune the instrument before they've even begun to learn to play isn't realistic. Instead, learn to tune the guitar yourself, and get in the habit of tuning it daily. Things will sound better, and they'll want to play more. Ultimately of course, it’s very beneficial for them to learn to tune by ear but, initially it is far more important to make tuning easy.

It is important to realise that students vary quite considerably in terms of how quickly (or indeed slowly) they are able to develop skills or take on board information.   It is quite possible (even desirable!) that as a teacher you may feel that during the course of a lesson a particular student might benefit from being introduced to some of the material from what would normally be the next session.   It is equally likely (and desirable) that you might spend more than one lesson dealing with a particular chord sequence or fingering exercise. Go for teaching them the simplest possible things first. Since kids have no idea about guitars, start by introducing them to the instrument. Point out the different parts of the guitar and their uses. In order to teach a child to hold the guitar properly, you'll need to learn to do it yourself first. Once you're comfortable holding the guitar yourself, you'll want to try and teach a child to hold the instrument properly. You need to keep reminding them of proper posture occasionally, but not constantly. Remember the initial goal here is to teach them to enjoy the guitar. Over time, most kids will naturally begin holding the guitar properly. When you start lessons with guitar handling and proper body placement also explain the significance of correct body alignment to guitar playing. Help them memorize the correct placement of fingers for every chord. Teach them the association of the chords to musical notes to facilitate note reading. Repetition is a vital part of learning and fortunately, kids are quite often happy to play the same thing again and again. Note that when a kid says they like a particular tune, it almost always means "I am confident I can play this". Conversely when they say "I don’t like a particular tune" It should be interpreted as: "I find this too difficult for me to play at the moment". Stress the importance of practice. Kids are naturally temperamental and can be easily impatient or disappointed. Your guitar lessons are good avenues for teaching kids the meaning of perseverance and the value of hard work.

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Birthday Parties at School

School doesn't have to be all about paying attention and doing homework. Every now and then it's great to play games with the class or organize birthday parties. School birthday celebrations can be fun, academic, and still leave your child beaming with birthday bliss. However, many schools discourage in-school parties for any number of reasons, ranging from the disruption they cause to the daily routine to the fear of food allergies. Before you plan one, check with the teacher or school principal and find out the school's policy. If your child's school permits or encourages in-school celebrations, talk with the classroom teacher before you organize the party. Teachers are kind-hearted people who generally like to make kids happy with special celebrations. They also are human and usually appreciate a treat and something fun in an average day. Make it easy for them to plan your child's celebration into their schedule, by asking if you can bring something, and when. If the teacher asks you not to bring anything, or there is a school policy against bringing food or controlling what you bring (no nuts for example), follow the rules without complaining. If at all possible, volunteer to come serve the snack to the kids, or rope another parent into doing it. You can work this out with the teacher when you ask permission to bring the snack.

Not all children want a party at school. Kindergartners, first- and second-graders are usually excited by the idea. Older children may not be. Discuss the idea with your youngster before making any plans. Assume the teacher has no supplies and has no one to help, plan for less mess. Pack accordingly, nothing with drippy sauces and Individual drinks rather than something that has to be poured and can spill. Don't bring a cake. Bring cupcakes. Include a few extra napkins, plates, cups, etc. Don't forget to count the teacher when counting out servings. If your child's school restricts food for parties, think of other ways to celebrate. They might allow balloons or streamers. Party hats add an air of celebration. Bring a crown or extra-special hat for the birthday celebrant. Plan an easy game or sing along. Arrive with several library books and let the kids decide which to read. Gather them in a circle and let the birthday boy or girl sit in the centre. While there is no need for party favours at in-school birthday parties, some parents like to give them. Bring goody bags for all kids. Pack up goody bags with simple, age-appropriate toys, card games, or school supplies like pencils, erasers, sharpeners, small notebooks. Kids love fun school supplies. They also love stickers and you can buy four- or six-packs and divide them among the classmates. Keep these favours inexpensive and to a minimum.

There are so many cute ideas you can do for your child's school birthday party but many parents still believe in keeping things simple. The kids don't really care what you prepare as long as they get to eat their all-time favourite meals, sing Happy Birthday, and blow out the candles. Don't forget to ask the classroom teacher earlier about how long you should stay for the party. Do not stay a minute longer. Be sure to allow time to clean and pack up. Encourage the kids to help tidy up and make sure you leave the classroom as you found it. Call or email the teacher that evening or the next day, or write her a note and thank her for letting you celebrate your child's special day with the class. Planning a birthday party for your kid at school is less expensive and you can avoid having to host a large, expensive party at home. Dance PPA Cover / Sports PPA Cover / PPA Cover

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Kickboxing and Kids

Though parents frequently sign their daughters up for ballet and gymnastics, kickboxing is just as an effective exercise and it focuses more on developing skills more so than physical appearance. Kickboxing academies aim to teach the students how to properly defend themselves in a wide range of situations. In cities across the world, there is a serious issue with kids and bullying. This bullying can be devastating to any child, can ruin their self esteem and can in severe cases lead to depression and even suicide. This is why parents and people in the communities of cities all across the country need to do what they can to prevent bullying in schools today and one solution that has been proven to help put a stop to bully is kickboxing. Reputable schools begin by teaching kids how to solve problems without the use of violence. Instead of being trained on how to attack with aggressive violence, students learn how to neutralize potential assailants using various concepts of leverage. These academies strive to arm kids with the skills and confidence they need to handle themselves in almost any type of potentially troublesome confrontation.

Kickboxing fitness is a popular form of cardiovascular exercise that is usually held in large classes. It is a mix of aerobics, martial arts, boxing and kicking. It is not a competitive sport; it is mostly for conditioning purposes. These classes usually teach their students how to kick properly, how to punch and other martial arts-related moves. Students use a large punching bag on which to practice their moves. By learning a variety of techniques, kids have the opportunity to develop their own unique style. Safety is one of the most important aspects. It is very important to have the proper equipment for safety. Mouth guards are one of the most important types of equipment that is needed. They are needed to protect teeth and jaw from injury. Boxing gloves are another. They are used to protect hands from being injured during training. Shin pads also are an important part. This is meant to protect the legs during training or a fight. It is important for participants to dress appropriately. People should wear loose, cotton clothing and sneakers. Pants or shorts are appropriate, as long as they are loose enough to allow high kicks.

Due to the rising popularity of the sport, more academies are emerging to offer programs for children who want to get involved. Quality schools offer programs that also assist with discipline, motivation, and self confidence. Many parents are discovering that these programs can help their children excel in other areas outside of martial arts. Kickboxing can be a fun activity that helps promote the physical health and overall well-being of children. The physical exercise they get can help them excel in other sports, while developing confidence that can help them feel better about life in general. It can be a great stress reliever after a long day at school. It also loosens up muscles, strengthens muscles and improves the speed at which the body can move the arms and legs. With the proper training in the right environment, kids have the opportunity to develop a strong worth ethic and respect for peers, adults, and - as importantly - for themselves. Dance PPA Cover / Sports PPA Cover / PPA Cover

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Drama Lessons for Your Child

Drama lessons are popular with children and parents for two main reasons. If your child already has an interest in acting and would like the opportunity to perform, drama lessons are a natural home for them. Drama lessons also attract more reserved children who may need a boost to their confidence. Whether your child has a theatrical flair deserving of the stage or you want her to come out of her shell, drama classes have benefits galore for kids of all ages. A child's interest in taking drama classes should be the first signal. However, one might encourage a child who lacks a bit of confidence to try out drama classes in a safe and non-performance setting. If the child however does not wish to take drama classes or participate in plays, there is no point in forcing the issue. While many parents fear participation in drama will damage their child's academic progress, a recent study concluded that students involved in the arts tend to have higher academic performance and better standardized test scores. Learning memorization and fluency skills in drama classes can naturally transfer over to other aspects of the child's life.

If you are considering to sign-up your child for a drama class, there are a variety of places to choose from. From learning the basics at a local community center class to taking a more intensive workshop-style program at a professional theater company or school, an array of ways exist that children can be dramatic. One should look for instructors who express patience and truly enjoy the teaching process, especially when a child is taking introductory drama classes. The goal is to foster continued interest and for the child to have fun. If a child is finding school difficult from a social point of view, teachers often recommend drama groups as a good way to boost their confidence. Whether your child joins a drama group in order to perform or to gain confidence they should have a lot of fun. They should also make a lot of new friends with a shared interest. Children who have a true interest in the theater or are ready to pursue a more serious dramatic role may enjoy classes at a theater company or professional theater group. These classes provide kids with the chance to study drama in an intensive way while working with professionals in a real theatrical environment. Some drama groups will take on children almost as soon as they can walk and talk. It is more common for children to start from around school age, so from four to five years of age.In most cases there are no upper limits. This means if you have a child who is older and would like to give lessons a go it should be easy enough to find a suitable group locally.

Not everyone wants to be the star of the show. There are many ways for children to participate even if they're afraid of the spotlight, a face in the crowd or a voice in chorus which gives the child stage time without the pressure. For older child who would like to be involved, but do not want to perform there can be options for getting involved behind the scenes. These can include anything from stage management, to looking after younger cast members to working the lights. Some drama groups also give older children the opportunity to get involved in activities such as writing and direction. There is plenty of variety on offer when it comes to the type of drama lessons that will be the perfect fit for your child. Shop around a bit and see which ones tick most of your boxes. Most groups will let you sit in on a session or give your child a free taster session. Dance PPA Cover / Sports PPA Cover / PPA Cover

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School Sports Day

Every school celebrates its Sports Day. Students look to this day eagerly every year. This gives them a great pleasure. They are full of joy in this day. When this day is about to come, there appears to be a lot of activity in the entire school premises. Weeks before the Sports Day, children start giving their names for different events, and then, after the school hours, practices start. The children, who do not participate in any events, get other duties of the like of making relevant charts, making lists of games and participants etc. During schools sports day when children can spend the majority of the day outside, they are exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation which can cause serious damage over time. It is important for everyone, but particularly children, to avoid getting sunburned.

UV radiation from the sun can cause skin damage, even on cloudy days. It is important to teach children why and how we protect our skin from the harmful effects of the sun. The children learn how to keep their skin healthy in the sun by playing in the shade between 11am and 3pm, covering up with a T-shirt, sunglasses and hat, and applying high protection sunscreen to exposed skin. With little attention schools can have a sun safe school sports day by ensuring the children participating avoid the sun when at its strongest, reminding them to regularly apply sun screen and cover up. Integrate sports day with promoting healthy lifestyles. Tuck shops could exclusively sell healthy foods and drinks such as bottled water, juice, dried and fresh fruit.

The day starts with the usual Assembly and then, all of the students are instructed to go to their allotted places on the ground, class wise. There are volunteers from the senior children who guide the smaller ones to their respective places and soon all is set as per the plan. As soon as guests arrive and the important speeches are over, the Chief Guest declares the Sports Day open. One by one the events take place in a very well disciplined manner and the winners listed and made to stand on the Victory Stand and cheered by one and all. If all pupils are to share in the enjoyment of the day, plenty of novelty races should be included in the program.

The best sports days are often those that involve well-behaved senior pupils setting out the equipment for each race and taking responsibility for its success. And on arrival, guests are greeted with pupils distributing programs. The games and Sports last for about two hours and then comes the most interesting moment of the function - the moment of appreciating the winners by awarding them gifts and prizes, cups and shields. This can be a long, cumbersome day for some parents. Informing parents of the running order of events prior to sports day will help working parents to rearrange their work commitments so as not to miss their children's races.

Researchers recently predicted that kids who would take physical education (PE) at school would do better academically, since it helps reduce boredom and helps kids stay focused. Team sports teach kids more than fitness-they improve motor skills, increase self-esteem, and foster cooperation and teamwork. Even non-athletic children can meet physical activity recommendations such as biking, swimming and jogging and by dancing or playing games like tag. If you do not enjoy sports day don't panic! It probably won't be that bad. There have probably been many that have been in your situation, but they survived! Don't take things too seriously, it's just sports. The thrill, the excitement, and then, the pleasure of winning are all moments worth seeing and enjoying. Dance PPA Cover / Sports PPA Cover / PPA Cover

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Extracurricular Activities for Children

The admissions committees at schools look for well-rounded students who can demonstrate commitment, enthusiasm, leadership, and teamwork skills. The best ways to develop these qualities is to participate in extracurricular activities. Extracurricular activities aren't just for teens or college students. The many benefits of these activities, including making new friends and pursuing physical interests, apply to primary school children, too. Academics are an important part of each student's life. Parents spend a lot of time encouraging their children to study more and play less in the pursuit of this goal. They believe that devoting a great deal of time to studying guarantees success in future college applications. However, there is another more playful component of a well-rounded education outside the regular academic program that may positively impact students' success. Activities, such as basketball, baseball, tennis, debating, chess clubs, student government, yearbook, drama, choir and computer clubs can round out students' academic careers to great effect.

Playing sports is one of the best extracurricular activities because it gets you out of your desk. Whether you want to play at a competitive level or just for fun, you'll find a wide range of sports to participate in. Sports activities at school level should focus on building physical skills, learning about good sportsmanship, understanding game rules and developing social skills, instead of pure competitiveness. So many choices can seem overwhelming, but getting involved in new activities with new people is a fun way to challenge oneself. There are a variety of student clubs, organizations, and teams that can give the children opportunities to express themselves and showcase their talents. You don't have to have a long list of activities to prove you are dedicated. Carefully selecting the activities that best fit your interests and skills can offer you the most personal and academic fulfilment. Being fully involved in a few activities is better than only being a little involved in many activities. Trying something different may bring you in contact with people you didn't know who share your interests and curiosity. You get to explore your physical, creative, social, political, and career interests with like-minded people.

The most basic reason for joining a club or team is that it gives you something better to do than staring at the wall, wandering the hall, or napping all afternoon. People who are involved and engaged are less likely to become addicted to bad habits, like smoking or drinking. Besides being fun and a great way to socialize with peers and make new friends, extracurricular activities can enhance students' time management and stress management skills, improving overall productivity. At the beginning of the school year, teachers and principals often have a list of activities to join or make announcements. Look on school bulletin boards and in the school newspaper. Join right away or wait to see how your schedule will be and join later. Each school is unique with its own array of offerings, but if you don't find what you want, try a community center or volunteer for a local nonprofit organization or business.

Once you've joined an activity, if you feel stressed out, reconsider. It's important to keep a balance between schoolwork and extracurricular activities. The most important thing is what you get out of participating in such activities. Overall, students who participate in these activities will likely see an improvement in their academic and life skills, including discipline, goal-setting, teamwork, accountability and responsibility. They will also find themselves better prepared for post-secondary education. Ultimately, students may even discover that the lessons they learned outside the classroom, in basketball or chess club, help them cope with future challenges in the workplace. Your dedication and ability to balance your studies and non-academic pursuits will be for you later on. Dance PPA Cover / Sports PPA Cover / PPA Cover

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Promoting Physical Activity at School Level

The World Health Organization is encouraging countries to develop and implement policies aimed at increasing physical activity in children and adolescents. Physical activity decreases during childhood and adolescence. Physical inactivity is a leading cause of obesity and overweight. Schools play a critical role in helping children lead active, healthy lives, yet many simply do not offer programs. In some cases, budget constraints or pressure to improve standardized test scores has prompted schools to reduce physical education and activity. After-school programs located in schools, parks and recreational centers also can develop innovative ways to help children be active. After-school programs have the ability to help children be more physically active, yet more efforts by public health officials and after-school program leaders are required to help increase the amount of time children spend being active.

Physical inactivity increases one’s risk for dying prematurely, dying of heart disease, and developing diabetes and high blood pressure. Overweight and obesity, which are influenced by physical inactivity and poor diet, can increase one’s risk for diabetes, high cholesterol, asthma and poor health status. Schools should ensure that physical education is provided to all students in all grades and is taught by qualified teachers. Regular physical activity in childhood and adolescence improves strength and endurance, helps build healthy bones and muscles, helps control weight, reduces anxiety and stress, increases self-esteem, and may improve blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Physical activity is also linked to other cognitive and behavioral benefits for students, such as improved concentration, better school attendance and fewer classroom disruptions.

Students need at least 60 minutes per day of moderate to vigorous physical activity, and schools should take a primary role in seeing that they get it. Schools should also increase movement opportunities throughout the school day. Giving kids activity breaks during their academic classes is recommended.  Implementing brain breaks or physical activity breaks in the classroom is a strategy that may increase physical activity to a small extent, and may benefit students in the classroom, but may not significantly increase overall physical activity levels. That can mean encouraging students to bike or walk from school. Schools should design and implement non-curricular programs and activities that promote physical activity. It might include offering sports activities before and after school. Schools are under tremendous pressure to fit more and more academic work into the school day. However, physical activities can be used to reinforce learning concepts during reading, math and science classes. A new study shows that incorporating physical activity at school may raise achievement. Schools provide health screenings and immunizations, and stress good nutrition, but those efforts are undermined if physical activities are removed from the school day. Therefore it is very important that schools also provide physical activities for students so they can reach their academic potential. Reducing or eliminating physical education in schools, as is often done in tight financial times, may not be the best way to ensure educational success among our young people. Parents always want that their children are good at studies and as well as physically strong. So they always want a school that are providing good studying facilities as well as provides good physical fitness training.

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Dance Classes for Kids

If you have kids, you may be wondering about the best way to channel their seemingly boundless energy. While traditional team sports are a good way to get your kids physically active, they may not sound fun for some children. Dance classes are a great alternative to team sports, and most schools offer lessons for. Participating in dance classes can be beneficial for kids of all ages. Dance isn't solely about competition or winning awards. Many children dance simply for enjoyment and exercise. It is a wonderful activity for kids, capable of fostering a positive self image in both girls and boys. Dancing is a joy, but it is also hard work. When your child is young, dance classes should be viewed as a fun experience, not as a chore. Watch your child during a class to make sure he or she is smiling and having fun.

The most obvious benefit of dance for children is that they are active. Dancers move across the floor, spin, stretch, jump and leap into the air. Children who want to become active but eschew hard-core sports like running and football might find their place on the dance floor. In addition to being a physical activity, dancing is also a highly social activity. Dance lessons can help children improve their social and communication skills, learn how to work as part of a team, develop a greater sense of trust and cooperation and make new friends. If your child is shy, enrolling her in dance can encourage her to reach out to other children her age and help to reduce her anxiety about new people or places. Children build more confidence. They become less concerned with body image and more focused on simply performing for enjoyment. As children adjust to the movements and postures required in dance, they begin to get a better sense of their bodies. As they become more comfortable in their own skin, their confidence and self-esteem improve. Dance can also help to alleviate fears related to performing in front of an audience. Dance lessons can teach a child self discipline, poise and grace. A child introduced to dance at an early age will likely develop a love of the arts and a passion for rhythm and movement. Most importantly, dancing is lots of fun! Dancing is an aerobic form of exercise. For children who are overweight, it can potentially help them to lose weight and improve their eating habits.

Becoming a skilled dancer requires practice, discipline and focus, skills that can be useful in other areas of your child's life. Children who dance are more likely to be focused after practice. Performing not only builds discipline but also improves memory. Children are expected to learn basic routines for performances and practice. There are many benefits of dancing, including fitness, developing balance, losing weight, understanding the importance of being active, building confidence and developing expressive skills. Dancing has gained a lot of popularity in recent years, so you will probably have to look for the schools which provide best dance classes. Make a list of the possibilities and then visit each one. All dance programs are not created equally...do your research to ensure your child receives the highest quality of dance instruction.

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Dance Lesson Tips

Dancing is a highly physical activity, and kids who take dance lessons regularly should expect to see a significant improvement in their overall physical health. The repetitive movements involved in dance can improve muscle tone, correct poor posture, increase balance and coordination and improve overall cardiovascular health. Dancing is an aerobic form of exercise. For children who are overweight, it can potentially help them to lose weight and improve their eating habits. Managing, engaging and interacting with young children in an active setting like a dance class can be extremely challenging. It is a lot of hard work and a teacher that does it well know the job well. But really, it’s all about problem solving. Modern dance, a style that encourages individual creativity and freedom of self-expression, is one of the most popular dance forms today. Interest is higher than ever, and the demand for instruction is so great that courses are now offered in more and more public schools, colleges and community education centers. Most dance instructors offer mixed classes for younger dancers, often devoting half of the class time to ballet, the other half to either tap or jazz. Traditional dance movements like the run, hop, skip, jump and chasse are used in a variety of themes and variations.

A common mistake in teaching classes with young children is to spend too much time on a single activity. Children are easily distracted and their attention wanes quickly. Always plan for more activities, if you see that you are “losing them,” do the kids and yourself a favor by wrapping it up and moving on to the next activity. Many dance classes have a dress code for their students so kids are not coming in with distracting clothing on. Dance attire is flexible to show the dancers lines while giving them the ability to really move. It’s important for dancers to stretch out their muscles and increase flexibility. Stretch exercises include floor and standing techniques designed to condition and tone the body. Make sure stretches are on both sides of the body and for the same length of time.Modelling behaviour is also important for showing children how to behave. Ask the students what is the proper way to sit or stand while waiting on their spot or number, then show them, and then have them practice it with you. Parents should not be entering the class without being asked by the teacher. It can be very distracting to the students and affect their attitude. Children respond well to positive feedback. Continually be on the lookout for things that are being done well. This gives the class a chance to model the appropriate behavior. Most dance teachers hold a recital at the end of the dance year (usually right before summer) to allow their students to show off their moves and to gain a little stage experience.

Improving skills for working with school children is not really a magic trick. It comes down to thoughtful practice and assessment of what works and what does not. Try to anticipate problems or situations that may arise and rehearse your manner of giving instructions just as you would rehearse the combination that you are giving the class. The good news is that dance classes are great for teaching kids etiquette and structure. These manners go a long way throughout the rest of their lives and should be reinforced at home. The more respectful everyone is in class, the easier it is to learn and have a good time.

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Drumming Lessons for Kids

When kids get inspired to learn a musical instrument and take a class, somehow many of them wish to learn the drums. There are a number of ways that this interest can still be strengthened. They could enjoy some type of interactive guitar or drum game which makes them decide that they actually want to learn to play the drums. However, playing a real instrument is a lot different than playing a game. Rhythm is a universal language in which all human beings participate. Children are naturally drawn to rhythmic sounds and activities, making drumming a highly accessible avenue for creative expression. Drumming can also promote fine and gross motor development, social awareness, and cognitive and emotional support. Several methods can encourage your child's enthusiasm for rhythmic activity. Drumming’s benefits reach far beyond learning simple rhythms. Experts have found drumming has many positive effects, including mood elevation, stress relief, free expression, sense of accomplishment and lessons in cooperation and focus. And that’s just the short term. Long-term benefits include learning math skills, improving eye-hand coordination, synchronization, midline balance, increasing self-worth and self-confidence and creating a sense of community for participants.

Most parents have the perception that any music teacher can teach their children to play, however it is a little more difficult than that. This is because different children learn in different ways. Some kids are great at reading music, while others learn by ear and need a less structured learning method. The overall attitude and personality of the teacher is the key. Kids are interested in fun. That’s probably why they are taking drum lessons in the first place. The drum teacher is the younger student’s buddy, baby sitter, coach, clown and music teacher. It’s important to create a low-stress environment by communicating to the student that mistakes are part of the process of learning to play an instrument. If a student feels to pressure to be perfect or is under the impression that errors are not allowed they will feel stress and then the lessons will no longer be fun. Enthusiasm is the most important factor when it comes to young child learning to play the drums.

Drum Fun gives kids an opportunity to come together and make music in a safe environment. Participating in a group drum circle is a beneficial way for young children to explore their creativity. They will also gain exposure to a sense of community and learn about values such as respect, teamwork and cooperation. The joy is in working together as a team and everyone pitching in to make sure even the smallest member is successful in each activity. The rhythm and order of drumming even provides a creative outlet for the youth. Drumming schools are devoted to increasing peace by providing creative ways to re-channel negative energy, diffuse anger and build team spirit through the power of drumming. They provide a variety of drumming opportunities and. These informal gatherings bring children and adults together in a fun-filled, cooperative environment where they build community, create music and learn a new skill that they can even take away and share with their friends. Drumming in a group setting teaches children about taking turns, following directions and impulse control in addition to providing an outlet for their creativity.

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Importance of After School Clubs

For hundreds of years it has been recognized that not all learning takes place in the classroom. Students’ mental and social development also occurs outside the classroom in athletics, music, and after school clubs. A club gives students the opportunity to combine components of their mental and social development into personal action. These students have opportunities to test their skills and talents in different situations. Students will always work together to set goals, develop action plans for achieving those goals and implement those plans. Doing so, students could develop and maintain working relationships and friendships. School clubs and after school activities are important for the social growth and development of young children, but are especially important for the teen of today.

High School is an important phase of life where teens define their identity. By joining clubs that expand his or her horizons, it helps define interests and allows bonding experiences for the future.  By building a positive identity, students are less likely to seek negative bonding experiences. Lasting and lifelong friendships made as a result of clubs and school activities allow for a healthy self-image to transition your teen into a young adult. It is a great opportunity for children to develop social and leadership skills. After-school activities definitely offer value to your children. Reports indicate those who participate in after-school programs have better school attendance, higher grades and loftier aspirations. They’re less likely to get into trouble and are at lower risk of obesity. These activities can provide enrichment, adventure and variety. They can enhance knowledge and build character.

Sometimes the choice for an appropriate outside activity comes from your own goals for your child. For example, if your child is struggling in a particular subject, tutoring might be a good idea. If your child needs to burn off energy or needs to be more physically active, you might want to look into an activity such as karate. But the after-school activities that are the most fun for children usually emerge from their own interests. If the activity is not something the child is even moderately good at, it can have a negative effect on his self-perception. So listen to your child. Talk to your child and find out how they feel about the activity, and let them choose at least one club or activity themselves. Help them choose activities that reflect who they are and what they want to learn, and try not to impose your preferences. Explain that it’s important and fun to try new things, and remember switching activities is normal amongst children. The afterschool programme affects you too. Avoid signing on to too many activities that leave you scrambling from one to the next. Over scheduling can affect your family life, too, so consider the demands on your own time. Keep in mind what will be expected of you when your child begins a new activity. This will include time and transportation, obviously. Spend a bit more time choosing the right activity programme for your child and you will reap the benefits.

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Importance of Music Education

Music helps the mind develop and grow. It is a proven fact that participating in a music program in school will help develop your brain to a higher level and faster than other students. As education funding decreases, one of the first programs to be scrapped in schools is that of music. And to justify that, we often think to ourselves that music must not have the same calibre of student benefits as math, science, English, and other core subjects. It doesn't have to be that way! All that's needed is a clear message sent to all those who must make the hard choices involved in running a school that music programs in the schools help our kids and communities in real and substantial ways. Music instruction has unbounded benefits for students, and depriving them of the opportunity to participate in a school music program could stunt their social, academic, and personal growth. Music is everything. It is the universal language that everyone understands and can relate to.  It is based on the rhythmic subdivisions of time, done in a split second. The music you hear or play is usually an indication of the time and environment in which it was created. Music is physical education. It requires an immense amount of coordination of fingers, hands, arms, lips, cheeks and facial muscles. Most of all, music is the greatest form of art that allows a human to take boring notes on a page, and transform them into an emotion and feeling you cannot measure. Teachers in many elementary schools are being forced to borrow musical instruments from each others’ institutions, loan instruments out to students, and get creative with fundraising in order to keep their programs alive. It is critical that music classes remain in schools. Not only to provide a place for students to belong, but also something that will help their minds grow and develop like no other class.

A common question parents have is when should they enroll their children in formal music lessons. Well, there is no exact age for a child to start taking formal music lessons. As a parent, it is your role to determine if your child is ready based on your observations. Observe your child and listen to him/her attentively.  Determine whether your child is keenly interested or not and if it's something he or she will lose interest in the long run. Talk to your child and explain to him/her that for music lessons he/she should be willing to learn, study and practice. Encourage your child. It is important to let your child feel your support so he or she will continue to be inspired to learn. Share your child's enthusiasm but never force him/her. Learning to play an instrument should primarily be enjoyable. If your child isn't enjoying it, then perhaps it isn't for him/her. Music is a magical gift we must nourish and cultivate in our children, especially now as scientific evidence proves that an education in the arts makes better math and science students. Each of us wants our children to achieve success in school, success in employment, and success in the social structures through which we move. Participation in music brings countless benefits to each individual throughout life. The benefits may be psychological or spiritual, and they may be physical as well. It has a great power for bringing people together. With so many forces in this world acting to drive wedges between people, it's important to preserve those things that help us experience our common humanity.  It is a very important part of our life, and if we take it away, who knows what the world would be like. Music PPA Cover / Dance Workshops / African Drumming Workshops

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How to Support Your Child’s Music Education?

While all children experience music lessons of some kind but there are only some children who embrace the concept fully.  After years of lessons with excellent teachers, some children would become accomplished musicians while the other children would never find the same joy in learning to sing or play any instrument.  However, almost all of children would have an appreciation for the arts in one form or another and become responsible, disciplined and creative people.  Is this just a coincidence, or does it have something to do with the process of music education? No doubt music education is important for children, and is very effective way of teaching important life skills like responsibility, commitment and discipline.  It is not the only way to achieve those skills, but it is a way that works for many children, and is worth the time and money invested to create a love for music and a pattern of achievement that will serve the children well long after their childhood. 

Filling a home with good music can set the stage for children to love music and want to be involved.  Consider investing in a reasonably good musical instrument and play the kind of music that you want your children to enjoy.  Providing our children the opportunity to explore their interests is something we as parents should be open to. Young kids are like sponges; they soak up everything they observe from their surroundings and the people around them. Enrolling your children in music lessons, buying them a musical instrument and other materials they will need is just the first step. Giving them the moral support even if you don't play an instrument, will ensure success for them as future musicians. The vast choices of music instruments out there can be overwhelming, especially for a beginner. Picking a musical instrument is no different from choosing a sport to play or what car to drive. You have to see what is it that your child is most interested in? As children grow, they start to develop other interests and explore new experiences; some of which may be different from those of their parents, so it's safe to see what your child wants before buying that guitar or piano you've been wanting for a long time. Important purchases such as a instruments requires a lot of research and planning. If you have money, there is no doubt your first option would be to buy a new instrument. Another great option is to ask music stores if they have a rental program. When it comes to music instruments, buying a second hand instrument that is of good quality is better than buying a new instrument of poor quality.

Choosing a music teacher is like choosing a music instrument to play, there are lots of good ones out there but you aren't sure which one is right for your child. Remember, some teachers who charge a lower fee are as good as those who charge a higher fee. Based on your budget, assess whether you can afford to hire a private tutor or enrol your child in group instruction. Group lessons are often less expensive than private lessons. Also, music lessons in your child’s school are cheaper. If you want to give private lessons to your child, first get recommendations and ask family, friends and other reliable sources if they know a good music instructor. When you find a teacher start with an interview and inquire about his/her qualifications, experiences and references. Also, ask about teaching method and anything relating to the service he/she is offering. If possible, ask if you can sit-in during classes or watch recitals. Doing this can help you assess effectiveness of his/her teaching method.

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