Things to Do to Engage Your Kids Outside of School

Mind stimulation outside the classroom

If you want your children to do well in school, then they’ll need to be stimulated outside the classroom as well. Most parents, of course, are already busy enough with work and simply raising their kids, but there are some simple activities that they can get involved in to help their children stay focused and persistent in school.

Here are some of the ways you can contribute to your child’s performance by thinking outside the classroom.

Exercise and Sports

The more you can get your kids to keep moving, the better shape their minds and bodies will be in. Regular exercise can reduce their depression and sharpen their focus in school. In addition, playing a sport gives them more confidence and helps them socialize with other kids their age. This will make a difference when they’re working on in-class assignments and school projects.

School and Homework Discussions

A parent doesn’t need to hover over their child’s shoulder, but they should stay informed about what their child is doing. Take some time every day to talk to your child about what they’re learning in class and any troubles they might be having. Something as simple as helping them on their homework can be a great way to motivate them in school, as well as a good time to bond with your child emotionally. If they see you’re interested in their education, they’ll become more interested, too.

Art and Imagination

While a lot of schoolwork is about reasoning and memorization, there’s also a creative side that needs to be explored, like when your child needs to come up with an idea for a report or a project. If your child has a creative talent, find a way to explore that. Consider regular weekly activities like painting classes or piano lessons. Even writing down their thoughts in a journal can be a useful exercise for their imagination.

Film, TV, and Video Games

What your kids watch and do in their time after school can have an impact on how well they do in class. The occasional odd or violent cartoon or movie might be fine, but if your child cares more about what they see on TV instead of what they’re learning in school, then it’s time to adjust priorities. Find programs that would interest your child while still linking into what they’re learning at school. Maybe download a few shows or video games with educational content online.

Image:  Nicola since 1972 on Flickr