Pre-school kids are lucky to have so much spare time! Before they engage in the school routine, they can have loads of fun trying out different activities.
But many parents avoid engaging their kids in classes, courses, sports or home hobbies before they start going to school. This is understandable, as they don’t want to put on a burden on their kids.
However, I always suggest introducing your kids to hobbies before they start going to school. They are helpful not only because they entertain your kiddo but also because they support children’s physical, emotional, social and intellectual development. And you guessed it – it will prepare them for school life as well.
How to choose a hobby for your pre-schooler?
You are in charge of introducing your kid into as many hobbies as you can think of! Tell them more about each of them, and then try to understand which of them got the most of your kid’s attention.
Of course, it would be great if you could stay totally objective. Maybe you are dreaming of a little athlete but maybe your child is more into arts? Allow them to explore whichever field interests them the most.
Here are some of the hobbies that are most recommended for the early childhood period:
DIY crafts.
If you exclude occasional investments into materials, this option is virtually free. The internet is full of beautiful and practical craft ideas. You might be able to find free craft and play groups at your local library or community centre. Just have a look around to see what’s available in your city.
How’s that good for your kid?
Crafts are there to support your kid’s creativity and intelligence, as well as motor skills. Plus, learning how to use pencils, crayons, scissors and glue is important for school readiness.
Sports.
Not every sport is suitable for pre-school kids but those that are will really do wonders for their healthy physical development. Many community leagues offer toddler or preschool level leagues, that focus more on skills and having fun than any competition.
Which sports are the best for your kid?
Look at swimming, gymnastics or athletics for overall physical development. Or try a team sport like softball, basketball, soccer, lacrosse to work on social and emotional development as well as physical skills. And karate or Tae Kwon Do is fantastic for developing motor skills, reflexes and focus.
Arts.
You can enroll your child in classes or you can practice it together at home; painting or finger painting, making clay figures, drawing, making collages – any option is welcome. You may be able to find preschool level classes at a local gallery, or a family arts program in a community centre.
What’s so great about the arts?
Great not only for developing creative spirit but also for emotional balance. Arts are a convenient way for kids to both express their emotions better and understand them better. Also, learning about the fine arts can help develop their critical thinking and communication skills.
Music.
Music instruments can be pricey and not to mention the classes, so you may want to check if your kid is really into it with cheaper toy instruments. Toy piano and toy guitar or ukulele are most commonly used as the first instruments. Or look for a preschool group music class, such as those run by Kindermusik or Music for the Young Child. These classes focus on rhythm and fun, and are often parent-participating. That means that you can have just as much fun as your son or daughter!
Is music as magical as they say?
Absolutely, especially in the context of children’s development. Researches have shown it impacts their intelligence as well as emotional intelligence, their ability to focus and their creativity. Learning music will also increase your child’s skills with mathematics and the sciences later on.
Dancing.
From ballet to partner dances, this hobby never falls out of fashion. You can teach your kids some swell moves at home but maybe it is more interesting if they join a dancing group of their peers. Many studios will offer trial classes on a 6-8 week basis, so that your child can get a taste of dance, without having to commit to a full year.
What kind of benefits does dancing bring?
Dancing impacts children’s development similarly to sports, with the addition of the benefits brought by music. Dancing also helps children build self-confidence, and, of course, if your child attends group lessons, there is the benefit of socialization.
Jigsaws.
I find more and more children fascinated by puzzles. It’s one of the games that has survived even in the digital age. Start with simpler 10-20 pieces and build up to more challenging options. You can pick up some fun and easy puzzles at a thrift store or hobby shop. Or, try making your own! Have your child color their favorite picture, glue it on some thin card and cut in fun shapes. Then they can put it together over and over again.
How does this hobby help your pre-schooler?
It’s a perfectly fun way to develop logical thinking, as well as visual intelligence. Your child will learn how to manipulate in 3D space, and it’s memory boosting as well. And they strengthen their problem-solving skills, which will help immensely in school later on.
Collecting.
Kids enjoy collecting! You can collect stickers in a sticker book. Maybe they’ll like sports or game cards. Is there a favorite toy they can collect pieces for? Collection doesn’t have to mean purchasing things either. Try rocks, pine cones, acorns, or flowers for a terrarium. And if you feel like investing, there’s the classic stamps and coins collection options too.
And what’s so great about collectibles?
This hobby helps children think and act systematically. They can sort, pattern, and prepare displays of their collections. Some collections will lend themselves to learning about money and investments. Others are perfect for exploring the natural world. And besides all that, building different sorts of collections help children learn about commitments.
Reading.
The crown of all hobbies! I always recommend it to every mom, as reading creates a great base for any other form of emotional, intellectual and creative development. Start with picture books and, following your child’s progress, go to more complex readings. Read aloud — both to your child and have them read to you. If you need some motivation, look for a reading contest at your local library.
The top benefits of reading?
Kids who read, learn. Studies show that children who are read to have much better outcomes at school and in life. And that’s only obvious. Reading develops imagination, gives knowledge, develops critical and logical thinking, expands the vocabulary, strengthens memory, improves concentration and so much more. It’s an endless list!
Hobbies are valuable experiences.
Whichever hobby your child chooses, it will be a valuable experience supporting not only their healthy growth but also teaching them about responsibilities.
Which hobbies has your child tried and which hobby would you recommend to other pre-schoolers? Give us your insights in the comments!
Really what is this …..think it is cool