What to do with kids before kindergarten {Preschool + Extracurriculars}

*You have mastered the home-based activities for your preschool child, but are there any outside the home activities they might be ready to try?  The following post will give you ideas for the pre-kindergartener who is ready to try some extracurriculars.*

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My 3 year-old has her own little schedule already.  It's cute now, but we definitely want to avoid the trap of too much activity on too many days of the week. 

When my daughter was almost three years old, I started looking into activities that she could participate in before she got into the whole full time school thing (aahh!).

Our strategy has been to sign up for one activity at a time for one session (a session is usually 12 - 15 weeks).  This way, she gets 12 of weeks of this, 15 weeks of that, 12 weeks of the other, etc.  I've been signing her up to do whatever she is doing for that session on a weekday and keeping a predictable weekly schedule going.

What I mention below is "extracurricular" because we also have her in preschool two days a week.  She loves it.  She is learning a lot, making new friends, and building up some of the social and physical skills (i.e. basketball in the gym, kickball) that she doesn't do at home. 

When considering whether preschool is a good fit for your child, I think it's important to take inventory of several factors.  Is it financially viable / responsible for your family?  Would the schedule work for your family?  Does he thrive on learning new things?  Is she close to being potty trained?  (A requirement for many preschools).  Would he be better off starting at age four instead of three?  Those are just a few factors.

So, outside of preschool, what activities can you consider?  The following are what we've already tried as well as what we are planning to try.

1)  "Lil-Kickers" - A soccer program for kids

We really like this program because it is not a competitive soccer game, but rather fun, creative games and drills that build soccer skills without the pressure of performing a certain way in a soccer game.  Perfect for the little ones who don't yet have a sense of confidence or a good understanding of how to play the game.  This was Grace's first "athletic" activity - she wasn't a very physically adventuresome toddler - and she really loved it.  She grew leaps and bounds in her understanding of how to move her body to accomplish certain tasks.  The instructors are super friendly and so energetic.  They make the class really fun for the kids.  Best of all, if you have multiple kids, they have plenty of levels to enroll your child in, many of which running at the same time at the same facility.  

2)  Dance 

We chose to start the park district class as opposed to a nice dance academy or school because this is just exploratory.  If this is something Grace will continue doing after her experiences trying different things, and if she shows to have a real talent and passion, then we can shell out more money for the more prestigious places.

It was cute, though, because after her first class, Grace said, "I loved dance.  I'm going to be really good at it, Mom".  

3)  Music Together

Photo from Music Together Website

Music Together is a program that teaches kids to really explore their "musical intelligence".  Parents (and younger siblings) are welcome to stay for the class, and kids learn new songs, new movements, beat and rhythm, singing in key, etc.  They also provide a CD to listen to in the car for the kids to enjoy their new songs throughout the week.  I am a big believer that music can teach us a lot.  Something put to music is so much easier to remember (i.e. the 50 Nifty United States, etc.)  Let's explore our musical side young and see if there is any natural talent there or perhaps simply a curiosity about music for a future endeavor.

4)  Gymnastics

This is another one that specializes in offering classes for every age and ability level.  The skills learned in gymnastics are transferable to most other athletic pursuits, especially dance.  I love it because it develops fine motor skills as well as large and showy movements.  Plus, there is so much variety.  The youngsters get to fall in love with it, though, because of that awesome pit of foam.  Who doesn't love the pit of foam?  I am personally really excited for when gymnastics comes around on our rotation. 

5) Swimming

 

Although my girl already thinks she knows how to swim since we live near a lake and have access for swimming, there is so much to be said for giving your child the gift of learning to swim at a young age.  Of course, any child can learn to swim on their own on a summer beach trip, but the technique and variety of strokes is probably best taught by a swim school.  I know all of the YMCA's have classes, but I have also heard good things about the British Swim School.   If we try this out I will definitely update you with the review.

6) Spanish

I know there are many fun classes geared toward elementary age students, but I don't know how young a child can start with them.  For those of you who don't know, I was a high school Spanish teacher for nine years before I became a stay-at-home mom.  Right now I am trying to teach my girls Spanish at home.  The main way I try to do it is in a way where I give commands (like "Simon Says") and show them what I want them to do as I give the command in Spanish.  I can tell Grace things like, "touch your head", "take off your glasses", "put your shirt in the laundry basket", "get into your bed", etc.  She has already learned quite a bit.  When she gets a bit older I plan to use simple books to teach her new vocabulary, read the story, ask her questions about the story, and have us act out the story in Spanish.  I may even have her draw parts of the story that I describe in Spanish.  

I cannot speak to what kinds of Spanish classes might be available in your area.  If you cannot find out much by Googling it, I would ask around.  Word of mouth is how the information about some of the best programs spreads.

These six activities are what we actively plan to enroll our girls in.  At the end of their trial with each activity, they can pick one or two to continue in.  They will get exposed to all kinds of different things, and find out what they are good at.  Yes, there will be a gap in their progress after they stop one activity and do not return to it until months later, but the alternative of keeping them continually in everything will force us to either stick to the first one or two activities we try, or quickly create an unsustainable schedule!  

The activities I described are geared towards GIRLS.  Boys would enjoy many of the same activities mentioned, along with tee-ball, karate and other martial arts, basketball leagues, and more.  If we have a son one day, believe me, I will share our experiences with him too!

What are your kids involved in?  What has been their favorite?  Is their favorite what they are best at?  I'm curious to hear your thoughts!  Talk to me!

Much love, all!