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And experiencing loss builds resilience as kids learn to
persevere through disappointment. can give of their time and learn new skills,” says Cindy
Neely, a high school counselor coordinator.
Individualized sports like swimming, martial arts, or
tennis are also beneficial, helping kids develop focus
and self-discipline. Scouting, Boys & Girls Club, the YMCA, and youth
groups are examples of service organizations that offer
real-life experiences outside of the classroom, fostering
confidence, leadership and communication skills.
Through engagement in their communities, kids are less
likely to feel isolated. They gain a greater appreciation
and understanding of the world around them.
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, DIY: Volunteer together at a local shelter, help a
neighbor with yard-work or gather canned goods for a
food pantry.
“Chess can help increase a student’s focus and
concentration along with helping students with personal
skills, such as problem solving and critical thinking,” says
Rick Hetzel, a high school chess club moderator. Seek balance. While variety is the spice of life, don’t
chess fosters patience and impulse control as players
learn to plan and visualize their moves on the board.
DIY: Start a club at your child’s school or challenge your
kids to a family board game or cards.
Strike the right note. Kids who learn to play an
instrument learn to read music and gain a sense of
timing, beat and rhythm. Multiple research studies
find a relationship between music education and its
influence on mathematics skills, including the ability to
recognize patterns, sequencing, spatial reasoning and
tempo. And 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.
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
each emits. Kids also like making their own instruments
from drums out of oatmeal containers to rain sticks from
covered paper towel tubes.
overwhelm your kids with activities that can cause stress
and affect grades.
“It is all about identifying the delicate balance that
helps foster their development of skills in activities that
they may be involved in for a lifetime,” Johnson says.
Considerations for extracurricular activities:
• Will there be extra fees for uniforms/equipment?
• Is the activity well staffed?
• Is the staff friendly and energized?
• Are activities well organized?
• Is the environment clean and safe?
• Do the kids appear to be having fun?
Move better.
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-
olds.) Younger kids can hone their storytelling chops by
writing a story, dressing in costumes and acting it out.
Schedule your appointment today!
Main Clinic Nova Road Clinic
386-763-2718 386-788-3385
Get cooking. Learning to prepare healthy meals is a life
skill. Plus when following recipes, kids practice reading
and math skills like measurements and fractions. Many
local grocery stores and culinary centers offer kids’
cooking classes.
DIY: Include your kids in the process of meal
preparation. Even on busy weeknights they can help
make a salad or set the table. Also, check out cookbooks
geared for kids like Chop Chop: The Kids Guide to
Cooking, Better Homes & Gardens New Junior Cookbook
and Wookie Cookies: A Star Wars Cookbook.
Be of service. “There are many volunteer opportunities
www.PalmerClinics.com/PO
that students can pursue in the community where they
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