Gifted children sometimes have trouble relating to other children their age. This is because they tend to have unusual interests or to approach situations in an unconventional way. To improve your children’s social and emotional development, you can encourage them to become involved in extracurricular activities. They will find new ways to have fun, and make new friends while they do it.
Get Moving
Exercise is not only good for physical health, but it also improves mental health and capacity by oxygenating the brain. Playing sports helps children to develop strategic thinking skills, and to then apply strategy in fast-paced situations. Non-competitive physical activities, such as yoga, can help kids unwind from the stresses of classroom time in a fun social environment.
Make Something New
Some clubs teach hands-on industrial skills. For example, kids can learn programming and wiring in robotics, or learn how to use tools in woodshop. Learning the fundamentals of these disciplines fosters creativity, which gives children the confidence to independently produce their own inventions. Projects will sometimes require collaboration, so club members can work together to conquer problems and make new things.
Wonderful Words
Language-related activities can be even more interesting when partaken of in a club setting. If your child enjoys language arts, encourage them to try any of the following:
- Journalism clubs, which build research and writing skills and help kids become aware of current events.
- Language clubs, which impart the useful ability of speaking another language while teaching about other cultures.
- Speech clubs, which develop confidence and public-speaking skills.
These are just a few after-school activities that can be fun and advantageous for gifted students. Remember, learning does not only happen in the classroom. Oftentimes the lessons students retain the best are the ones that were fun to learn. By participating in after-school activities alongside their friends, gifted kids can apply their unique talents in ways that make them happy.
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