Parent Magazine St. Johns September 2019 | Page 19

Doodle, dabble, draw. Art education contributes to find a relationship between music education and its
problem-solving and critical thinking skills, not to influence on mathematics skills, including the ability
mention creativity. Independently run studios and to recognize patterns, sequencing, spatial reasoning
museums offer classes for kids of all ages like painting, and tempo. And according to the National Association
drawing and sculpture. for Music Education, youngsters who are involved in
music are more likely to be engaged in school, develop
DIY: Put together an “imagination bucket” with art a higher self-esteem and are better able to cope with
supplies, including recyclables, construction paper and anxiety.
other doodads. Encourage your children to present their
individual masterpieces to the family at dinner.
Move it. Team sports nurture social, communication and
DIY: Make your own music. Fill drinking glasses with
different levels of water. Tap each jar lightly with a
spoon and listen for the varying pitches and vibrations
leadership skills. And experiencing loss builds resilience each emits. Kids also like making their own instruments
as kids learn to persevere through disappointment. from drums out of oatmeal containers to rain sticks from
Individualized sports like swimming, martial arts, or
tennis are also beneficial, helping kids develop focus
and self-discipline.
DIY: Burn off energy by shooting hoops in the driveway,
running through a homemade obstacle course, or
groovin’ to funky music before homework time.
Checkmate! A popular and ancient game of strategy,
chess fosters patience and impulse control as players
learn to plan and visualize their moves on the board.
covered paper towel tubes.
Encore! The performing arts offer a positive
outlet for expressive children and can enhance
reading comprehension and verbal and non-
verbal communication skills. Also consider debate,
photography and journalism clubs.
DIY: Help your child set up a blog to share his writing
and photos with a select audience. Check out www.
kidzworld.com, which offers kids a safe and fully
moderated place to blog. (Geared for 9 to 14-year-
“Chess can help increase a student’s focus and olds.) Younger kids can hone their storytelling chops by
concentration along with helping students with personal writing a story, dressing in costumes and acting it out.
skills, such as problem solving and critical thinking,” says
Rick Hetzel, a high school chess club moderator.
Get cooking. Learning to prepare healthy meals is a life
skill. Plus when following recipes, kids practice reading
DIY: Start a club at your child’s school or challenge your and math skills like measurements and fractions. Many
kids to a family board game or cards. local grocery stores and culinary centers offer kids’
Strike the right note. Kids who learn to play an
cooking classes.
instrument learn to read music and gain a sense of DIY: Include your kids in the process of meal
timing, beat and rhythm. Multiple research studies preparation. Even on busy weeknights they can help
“
ACCORDING TO THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR MUSIC
EDUCATION, YOUNGSTERS WHO ARE INVOLVED IN MUSIC ARE
MORE LIKELY TO BE ENGAGED IN SCHOOL, DEVELOP A HIGHER
SELF-ESTEEM AND ARE BETTER ABLE TO COPE WITH ANXIETY.”
S T. J O H N S parent M A G A Z I N E | 19