Extracurricular activities are essential for early childhood development because they provide children with a variety of opportunities to learn and grow outside of the typical educational setting. These activities not only complement academic learning, but also promote the development of important life skills, creativity, and physical health. Extracurricular activities benefit a child’s overall development in a variety of ways, including improved social relationships and creativity.
Extracurricular Activities at St. George’s Nursery
We offer a range of engaging activities catered to various age groups at each of our nurseries, to ensure that each child experiences a well-rounded early education. Here are just a few of the fantastic extracurricular activities that our nurseries offer:
Yoga and Mindfulness: Yoga sessions help children improve balance, flexibility, and concentration. Children who participate in mindfulness activities learn relaxation techniques and emotional regulation, helping them manage stress and develop emotional intelligence.
Art and Craft Sessions: Creative activities like painting, drawing, and crafting encourage imagination and artistic expression. They also improve fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, while allowing children to explore their creativity.
Gardening and Nature Exploration: Children learn about the environment and develop a sense of responsibility and care for living things. These hands-on experiences promote curiosity and a deep appreciation for nature.
Sports and Physical Play: engaging in physical activities such as sports allows children to improve their coordination, strength, and teamwork abilities. These activities are not only fun, but they also promote an active lifestyle, which helps children stay physically fit.
Sensory Play: Engaging in sensory activities, such as light play and exploring different textures, enhances a child’s sensory development and stimulates their senses while promoting cognitive growth and fine motor skills. One fun example is Dough Disco, where children use playdough in rhythm with music. This hands-on activity strengthens finger muscles and improves dexterity, which is essential for writing readiness.
Forest School: An educational approach that takes children outdoors to learn in natural environments. It emphasizes child-led exploration, allowing children to engage with nature, which builds confidence and resilience. Forest School promotes an understanding and appreciation of the natural world while learning about plants and animals in their habitats.
Cooking and Baking Sessions: These activities introduce children to basic cooking skills, while also teaching them about nutrition and healthy eating habits. Cooking sessions improve math and science skills through measuring and mixing ingredients.
Storytelling: Through imaginative play and storytelling, children develop language, communication, and literacy skills. Drama activities encourage creativity, emotional expression, and social interaction.
Visits from Local Professionals: We arrange visits from local professionals, such as care home residents and police officers, to help children learn about community roles and safety. These interactions foster an understanding of the importance of relationships and the role these professionals play in our lives.
Why Extracurricular Activities Matter
Engaging in extracurricular activities encourages young children to:
- Develop Social Skills: Participating in group activities such as team sports, music, or art projects encourages children to engage with other children outside of class. These experiences teach children teamwork, sharing, and communication skills, all of which are necessary for social development and relationship building.
- Promote Creativity and Imagination: Creative activities such as painting, music, and drama let children express their thoughts and ideas in unique ways. These outlets provide a room for imaginative play, allowing children to develop their artistic ability.
- Increase Physical Fitness and Coordination: Physical activities are essential for developing motor skills, coordination, and overall fitness. Sports, yoga, and movement-based activities teach children the importance of regular exercise, allowing them to build healthy habits at a young age.
- Build Confidence and Self-Esteem: Extracurricular activities give children the chance to explore their strengths and talents. Whether through performances, art displays, or sports achievements, these experiences help build confidence and boost self-esteem, contributing to a positive self-image.
At St. George’s Nursery, we understand the importance of extracurricular activities in promoting a child’s overall development. We incorporate many of these activities into our curriculum, emphasizing the importance of play, creativity, and outdoor exploration in developing a well-rounded early education experience. We encourage families to continue these activities at home to reinforce the learning and growth that happens in the nursery.
For more information, visit our website and schedule a tour at one of our locations in Leicester or Nottingham.
