Choosing the Right Extracurricular Activity
Thursday, August 24, 2017
When it comes to choosing the right after school activity in Hong Kong, children face a multitude of choices, from sport, hobbies, arts & crafts, to academic subjects like languages and Maths. In addition to this, the weight of cultural expectations to be academically strong from an early age can put pressure on children and parents. Other factors such as time, cost and elements such as competitiveness will all factor into the decision-making process. Navigating the choices on offer isn’t easy, and we’re here to help guide you.
First of all, ask yourself, what is your child like?
Not only ‘what they like’ but what are they like, because the type of child they are will determine the type of class they would thrive in. Class sizes and teacher are important factors in this question. Are they confident, independent and sociable? Then they may well do better in a larger class size, where they have room to socialise with others, given more freedom to work independently as well as work with others in group activities. If they are quiet and introverted, then they may well prefer to work in a smaller class, or one-to-one, with more personal teaching attention to guide them.
How much time do they have?
If your child is in full day school, they will need time for homework. Too many activities will have a detrimental effect on their health and sleeping patterns. Overscheduling a child can be exhausting for them. Travel times to and from activities must also be taken into consideration. While there is nothing wrong in travelling to an activity, do bear in mind the extra time and costs that need to be factored in. However, if your kids are going stir crazy at home or complaining of being bored all the time, it might be time to schedule something engaging for them.
What type of activity do they like?
The best type of activity is one that they express an interest in and enjoy doing. Watch them at play when they are at home, with friends or in the park to give you an idea of what they enjoy. If they are old enough to articulate that interest, listen to them. Think about their strengths and weaknesses too. Extracurricular activities are a great way to target their skills, honing their strengths and minimising their weaknesses in an environment that is fun, friendly and relaxed.
How do they want to participate?
Is your child just learning or does your child want to compete seriously? If music or drama lessons are leading up to a recital or a performance, can your child opt out if they suffer from anxiety?
Cost factors:
Extracurricular activities can be pricey if done privately, but there are a number of affordable options around. The YMCA offer a range of activities for 10 weeks at reduced prices, with fairly small classes. Look into activities offered by your child’s school, which are often free, or at minimal cost. Also consider forming your own activity group with other kids / parents who have similar interests - you may be able to get a good discount from clubs if there are 4-6 of you (usually the minimum number needed to open a class). Before you sign and pay for a large number of sessions, ask if it’s possible to do a trial class. Also ask what refund options there are, should your child not like the class or teacher - some courses allow you to have a partial refund if only 1-2 classes are done.
What happens if your kid doesn’t like the class?
Unfortunately this does happen and if your child is old enough, you will need to sit down and discuss why they don’t like the class and whether bailing-out is an option. While perseverance can sometimes be rewarding, suffering isn’t. Adopting the “We paid a lot of money for these lessons, you HAVE to go!” line usually doesn’t work with kids. Neither does forcing them to continue something they truly dislike do them any good. Ask why your child dislikes the activity. This might seem obvious, but parents often misjudge this. Don't assume your child wants to quit because they don't like the activity. When your child says they don't like an activity, they might also be saying:
• The teacher is going too fast
• I'm scared to be in a recital or performance
• This activity is too difficult/easy for me
• The coach won't let me play as much as I want to
• Somebody in the class (or on the team) is bothering me
• I don't like to practice
Issues of bullying and anxiety are major red flags not to be ignored. Often children don’t realise that it’s possible for you to talk to the teacher or coach to address such issues and resolve any conflict. One thing to remember is that, pricey or not, classes usually only run for 10-12 weeks (or one term) and will mercifully come to an end.
Above all, activities should be age-appropriate, fun, engaging and help your child to develop positively. Keep expectations realistic (both for your child and yourself) and remember that your child may need to try a few activities before they find one that they truly enjoy. Encourage your child to choose an activity they think will be fun. Childhood is the best time for exploring their interests and developing their strengths, so support them in their journey and watch them thrive!
As a Hong Kong Kindergarten Specialist, I’m often asked by parents how I read to my school kids. Here are some tips on how to make children life-long readers.
➡【Join our Mighty Oaks family!/ 快來加入奧恩大家庭】
➡【 Sign up for Acorn Trial Class now!/Acorn 試堂優惠】
First of all, ask yourself, what is your child like?
Not only ‘what they like’ but what are they like, because the type of child they are will determine the type of class they would thrive in. Class sizes and teacher are important factors in this question. Are they confident, independent and sociable? Then they may well do better in a larger class size, where they have room to socialise with others, given more freedom to work independently as well as work with others in group activities. If they are quiet and introverted, then they may well prefer to work in a smaller class, or one-to-one, with more personal teaching attention to guide them.
How much time do they have?
If your child is in full day school, they will need time for homework. Too many activities will have a detrimental effect on their health and sleeping patterns. Overscheduling a child can be exhausting for them. Travel times to and from activities must also be taken into consideration. While there is nothing wrong in travelling to an activity, do bear in mind the extra time and costs that need to be factored in. However, if your kids are going stir crazy at home or complaining of being bored all the time, it might be time to schedule something engaging for them.
What type of activity do they like?
The best type of activity is one that they express an interest in and enjoy doing. Watch them at play when they are at home, with friends or in the park to give you an idea of what they enjoy. If they are old enough to articulate that interest, listen to them. Think about their strengths and weaknesses too. Extracurricular activities are a great way to target their skills, honing their strengths and minimising their weaknesses in an environment that is fun, friendly and relaxed.
How do they want to participate?
Is your child just learning or does your child want to compete seriously? If music or drama lessons are leading up to a recital or a performance, can your child opt out if they suffer from anxiety?
Cost factors:
Extracurricular activities can be pricey if done privately, but there are a number of affordable options around. The YMCA offer a range of activities for 10 weeks at reduced prices, with fairly small classes. Look into activities offered by your child’s school, which are often free, or at minimal cost. Also consider forming your own activity group with other kids / parents who have similar interests - you may be able to get a good discount from clubs if there are 4-6 of you (usually the minimum number needed to open a class). Before you sign and pay for a large number of sessions, ask if it’s possible to do a trial class. Also ask what refund options there are, should your child not like the class or teacher - some courses allow you to have a partial refund if only 1-2 classes are done.
What happens if your kid doesn’t like the class?
Unfortunately this does happen and if your child is old enough, you will need to sit down and discuss why they don’t like the class and whether bailing-out is an option. While perseverance can sometimes be rewarding, suffering isn’t. Adopting the “We paid a lot of money for these lessons, you HAVE to go!” line usually doesn’t work with kids. Neither does forcing them to continue something they truly dislike do them any good. Ask why your child dislikes the activity. This might seem obvious, but parents often misjudge this. Don't assume your child wants to quit because they don't like the activity. When your child says they don't like an activity, they might also be saying:
• The teacher is going too fast
• I'm scared to be in a recital or performance
• This activity is too difficult/easy for me
• The coach won't let me play as much as I want to
• Somebody in the class (or on the team) is bothering me
• I don't like to practice
Issues of bullying and anxiety are major red flags not to be ignored. Often children don’t realise that it’s possible for you to talk to the teacher or coach to address such issues and resolve any conflict. One thing to remember is that, pricey or not, classes usually only run for 10-12 weeks (or one term) and will mercifully come to an end.
Above all, activities should be age-appropriate, fun, engaging and help your child to develop positively. Keep expectations realistic (both for your child and yourself) and remember that your child may need to try a few activities before they find one that they truly enjoy. Encourage your child to choose an activity they think will be fun. Childhood is the best time for exploring their interests and developing their strengths, so support them in their journey and watch them thrive!
As a Hong Kong Kindergarten Specialist, I’m often asked by parents how I read to my school kids. Here are some tips on how to make children life-long readers.
➡【Join our Mighty Oaks family!/ 快來加入奧恩大家庭】
➡【 Sign up for Acorn Trial Class now!/Acorn 試堂優惠】
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