After School Extracurricular Activities You Can Do at Home

In today's busy world, parents often struggle with balancing work, childcare, and providing valuable learning experiences for their children. Yet, fostering your child's development doesn't always mean shuttling them to after-school programs that require time and travel. Here's a list of enriching extracurricular activities that can be done right at home, perfect for stay-at-home parents, remote workers, or anyone looking to avoid the TV trap.

1. Arts and Craft Projects

Unleash creativity by repurposing old Amazon boxes into marvelous creations using simple tools like glue and scissors. If your budget allows, craft kits can add even more possibilities. Crafting enhances creativity, improves fine motor skills, and bolsters problem-solving abilities.

Resources: Old boxes, glue, scissors, sequins and pom-poms, craft kits (optional).

2. Photography

Photography transforms ordinary moments into extraordinary memories. It also develops observation skills, artistic expression, and technical knowledge. Children can practice taking portraits, nature shots, or abstract pictures.

Resources: Camera or smartphone, homemade props.

3. Study Music

Encourage your child to explore the world of music by listening to different genres, learning to read sheet music, and singing along. Listening to music boosts memory and awareness of emotions and can create discipline through consistent practice.

Resources: Music access, sheet music, quiet space.

4. Math Problems

Make math fun and engaging with interactive at-home programs that reinforce school learning. Math is not only a critical part of young learners' curriculum; it also strengthens logical thinking and problem-solving skills and can improve overall academic enthusiasm.

Resources: At-home math programs, paper, pens.

5. Coding

Introduce the language of the future with online coding programs that teach kids how to create and troubleshoot their digital projects. Coding encourages logical thought processes, creativity, and a better understanding of ever-evolving technology.

Resources: Computer, online coding program access.

6. Building Robotics

Take on the challenge of robotics with DIY kits that offer hands-on learning opportunities to build and program robots. Robotics promotes teamwork, complex problem-solving, and comprehension of mechanics and electronics. It's also really fun to watch!

Resources: Robotics DIY kit, toolkit.

7. Science Experiments

Feed curiosity and answer those 'why' questions with straightforward science experiments using online videos or hands-on kit projects from resources like National Geographic. Foster your child's curiosity and help expand their knowledge of the natural world.

Resources: Educational videos, science project kits.

8. Physical Conditioning

Help kids build healthy habits with at-home fitness routines focusing on cardio, strength, flexibility, and endurance. These exercises prepare children for virtually any sport or just a lifetime of health. Be sure not to confuse strength training with weightlifting, which should be introduced much later in life.

Resources: Appropriate attire, open space, basic exercise equipment.

9. Running

Whether training for track and field day or just racing for fun, running is an excellent way to improve cardiovascular health and can be a fun family activity. It can help teach perseverance and strengthen goal-setting skills.

Resources: Running attire, safe running space, stopwatch (optional).

10. Reading Books

Nurture an early love for reading by forming a book club at home or online. Discussion encourages comprehension and critical thinking. Reading expands vocabulary, comprehension, empathy, and perspective toward different experiences in life.

Resources: Books, a quiet reading space, book club membership (optional).

Bonus: Cooking

Cook together and instill the importance of this invaluable life skill, which can also incorporate elements of math and science. Improve fine motor skills and encourage healthy, independent eating habits!

Resources: Kitchen tools, ingredients, recipes, adult supervision.

Try for yourself!

Remember, enrichment for your child doesn't require leaving the house. With a little effort and supervision, these activities at home can lead to significant development gains. Which of these activities are you most excited to try? Let us know, and swap tips with other moms to make the most out of these at-home ventures!