It’s well known that there is a multitude of benefits of having children enrolled in after school programs. Research has shown that benefits include an increase in academic achievement, enrichment of emotional and social development, and improvement in overall health and wellness.
Sometimes, though, it can be a real challenge for parents to find an activity that their children are actually interested in and are willing to attend regularly. Kids don’t always know themselves yet, which is why these programs are also a great way for them to test the waters and see what they like.
Here are some after school program ideas for kids in Toronto to help inspire you and your kids.
Tech Programs
When thinking about extracurricular activities, the first thought that might come to mind is some kind of sport – but it doesn’t have to be. Kids these days are so engaged in the world of computer technology that it might not come as a surprise that they may be interested in exploring this world more.
Especially if they are avid gamers, your child might be better off taking coding courses for kids in Toronto that will teach them how to program video games. In these coding classes they will learn industry-standard coding languages that get used not only in video game development, but in app and software development as well.
Not only are programming courses for kids great for building up your child’s career in a STEM (tech) field, but coding will also develop their problem-solving and computational thinking skills – both of which are great to have throughout life.
Reading and Writing Programs
Many parents often overlook writing and reading programs that can hugely benefit their kids. For example, if your children love to read, you could sign them up for a book club in Toronto where they meet up regularly to talk about a novel that the group is reading that month. They can share ideas while working on their analytical and communication skills, as well as actively stretching their imaginations.
You could also sign them up for creative writing classes where they are taught essential writing and communication skills. Your kids will also get the opportunity to world-build and learn the essentials of creating their own novel.
Arts and Sports Programs
Arts and sports are definitely more popular choices when it comes to after-school activities, so you may have already considered the possibilities. For the arts, your child may be interested in anything from traditional drawing, to playing piano, to learning hip-hop or ballet.
Something you may not have considered is enrolling them in a class that combines both drawing and writing: comic books! With the popularity of superheros, this class would surely capture their attention.
When it comes to sports, you’re sure to find a club for any kind of sport in Toronto. There are groups for kids interested in activities such as rock-climbing, gymnastics, hockey, soccer, judo or even bowling.
Toronto has so many fun activities for kids to do – hopefully, this list of after school program ideas for kids in Toronto has inspired you to enrol your child in a program they enjoy and pursue.
You might be interested in reading, “Kids Activities in Toronto during the Christmas Holidays“.
