Providing extracurricular activities for your preschooler can encourage their natural curiosity and love of learning. It can also help them develop important skills like self-awareness, social development, language, and motor skills. There are countless classes and programs available through both Parks and Rec and private organizations for your child that are both fun and educational, but which activity is right for your child?

Team sports

Team sports help kids with their social development, as well as problem solving skills. Being part of a team also gives kids a sense of confidence as they have the opportunity to cheer each other on and contribute to the common goal. “Soccer seems to be a good place to start. It gets them used to the idea of team sports.” says Kara Thomas, mom and preschool teacher. Another preschool-friendly team sport is T-ball. Team sports are a good fit for your child if they love physical activity and socializing with other kids.

Art

An art class provides the opportunity for kids to create, make messes, and try crafts that their parents may not want to try at home such as painting, sculpture, and paper mache. Art helps develop hand eye coordination, fine motor skills, and encourages kids to explore different colors, textures, while encouraging their creativity. Kids who are introverted, creative, and can sit still for longer periods of time would enjoy an art class.

Music and dance

Preschool kids love to listen to music and dance. There are many programs available that offer enrichment in music where kids are encouraged to sing, make their own music, and use their bodies to express themselves through dance. Many dance studios offer beginner classes for the preschool crowd. The study of music and dance helps kids develop their gross motor skills, language, and even improve their math and reading skills down the line. (www.pbs.org) Music classes are a good fit for any preschooler but kids who are naturally drawn to music and movement in particular should look into music classes such as Gymboree or Music with Mar which are geared towards preschool children specifically.