Category: Creativity

Going back to school means more than attending classes and doing homework. Extracurricular activities are essential in helping children develop their passions and have fun during the school year. They also allow children to make friends and relieve stress while doing something they enjoy, whether it be sports or arts.

Here are some extracurricular activities to consider for your child this year.

1. Community or School Sports

Sports give children multiple opportunities to grow. They can figure out which activities feel most exciting while developing cooperation and teamwork skills they’ll use for the rest of their lives. Try finding community-based or school sports for your children this school year. Whether they play basketball, softball or soccer, they’ll continue their personal growth outside class. You can also explore tech based sports to help enhance engagement.

2. Academic Clubs

Some kids don’t enjoy rigorous sports. If your children can’t find a physical activity they love, introduce them to academic clubs. They might feel more engaged with other young people practicing chess, debate or photography. Exploring various opportunities is the only way to find out which extracurriculars are best for your child’s unique interests.

3. Art Programs

Getting involved in the arts opens doors for young people. They’ll make friends and build their self-confidence while practicing self-expression. Hobbies like painting, singing and acting require emotional reflection that channels into your child’s art. That’s why art programs are some of the best extracurricular activities.

Modern arts programs may even use technology to establish creative spaces for kids. When used correctly, technology can help kids express themselves rather than serving a single purpose, such as computing or researching. Sketching on a tablet or hosting a virtual art show is an excellent way to develop a child’s sense of self-expression.

4. Volunteer Organizations

Young children might not be old enough to volunteer by themselves, but you can always get the family involved in your community. Spend your after-school hours with the local park service, a food bank or a library event. Your children will help in whatever ways they can while watching you model what service looks like.

Volunteering at a young age also gives children a better understanding of the world. All they know is their home life, their classroom and their friends. If they see how people need help and how others assist them, they’ll learn about what it means to give back. They’ll feel more selfless and devoted to their community, which feeds into how they interact with their hometown no matter where they live in adulthood.

5. Local Clubs

Browse local clubs to find more of the best extracurricular activities for kids. Your child could join the Boy Scouts, the Girl Scouts or volunteer book clubs. There might even be more niche sports opportunities, like a disc golf club for middle schoolers. You’ll find these clubs through the websites of local organizations and social media groups. See what’s available where you live to present your kids with options for their after-school activities.

If you’re worried about your child joining a club that doesn’t have a direct effect on their grades, don’t worry. Experts note that joining any extracurricular group improves a child’s academic performance, school-related aspirations and view of education as a whole. As long as they’re involved in something they enjoy that builds their confidence, they’ll develop the mental strength they need to push through challenges at school.

6. Student Government

Many elementary and middle schools have some form of student government program. Kids don’t necessarily need to know how the government works because they can’t vote, but that doesn’t mean they can’t start learning about it. Student government organizations translate the complexities of governing into activities that are easy for kids to understand.

Your child might love becoming a representative of their class or grade. They’ll learn how to work with other student representatives to create events. Kids participate in voting to make decisions and practice communication skills while reviewing each meeting’s agenda with other kids.

Student government could inspire your child to take on leadership roles in their future schools and workplaces. See if their current school offers this kind of extracurricular to discuss the possibility with your kid.

Explore New Extracurricular Activities This Year

After you learn about the best extracurricular activities for young kids, it’s easier to present options the next time your family sits down for dinner. Pitch ideas like trying a new sport, getting involved in the arts or volunteering together. Whatever activities your child likes or dislikes, they’ll build skills that help them succeed throughout their lives.

About the Author:  Cora Gold is the Editor-in-Chief of women’s lifestyle magazine, Revivalist. She strives to live a happy and healthy life with her family by her side.
Follow Cora on Facebook and LinkedIn.

A fairy tale is a short fictional narrative that revolves around magical creatures, lands, and includes a moral lesson at the end. It belongs to the folklore genre. If you have ever read something that started with ‘once upon a time’ and ended with “…they happily lived afterwards’, chances are it was a fairy tale.

Although these kinds of stories are usually crafted for children, adults enjoy them, too. However, writing such stories requires some hardcore skills. Even if you don’t have them and want to write a tale for kids, the following tips and tricks can help.

Know Your Kid Segment

It is important to consider the readers in any form of writing, including tales.

However, for writing stories, one thing is clear: your major audience is kids. Right? Well, not yet; you have to consider their age groups and write accordingly.

For instance, if your story is for 4-7-year-olds, keep sentences simple and short, the plot easy to understand, and the characters lovable. However, if your audience is 8-12-year-olds, complex plots and moral puzzles can go well, too.

In addition, use relatable story themes, such as friendship, bravery, adventure, and kindness. Kids are more attracted to these kinds of themes.

Create An Appealing World

Kids’ minds are different from adults; they are more imaginative and curious to learn.

So, once you know your audience, ask yourself, what kind of magical story do you want to write? First, believe that everyone has a story within them.  Let your imagination soar. Whether you want to focus on an intelligent princess who saves her kingdom or a brave prince who breaks an ancient curse?

You can split this phase into two steps:

1. Create a world that is full of wonders
2. Add marginal elements into that world

If you don’t want to go for a prince or princess, you can choose a magical forest, an underwater city, or a distant planet. Once done with the world, add new elements to it, such as unique rules, phenomena, places, flying carpets, and so on.

Keep this in mind: whatever world you choose, it should appeal to and engage the kids. While they read, it should take them to a new, imaginative world.

Think of Your Characters in Tale

After creating a world for your story, think of the necessary characters and their details to be focused on in the story, such as:

• Looks
• Personality
• Background — Are they from a royal family? Did their parents die? Are they married? Do they love someone?
• Flaw — Perfection is boring. So, give your characters relatable flaws or weaknesses to add some spice to the tale.

However, there is a way to create characters in the story.

Always start with the main character that kids can relate to and it has clear goals. It could be a brave child, a kind-hearted animal, or a cruel magician.

Next, add supporting characters who are fun, quirky, or mysterious. They can be talking animals, wise wizards, or mischievous fairies to add humor and depth to the story.

If it applies, bring in a villain. Make them not purely available but have gone through backstories and traumas that made them this way. The villain should have reasons for their actions. This can add complexity and teach kids about empathy.https://www.safesearchkids.com/this-is-why-storytelling-is-the-secret-of-every-great-kids-content-creator/

Add Some Ups and Downs in the Story

Now comes the most important part: the story.

When writing it, ask yourself a few questions:

1. What will your readers be interested in this story?
2. What details will you have to put in to keep your reader going on?
3. How will you unfold the mysteries?

Remember, the most important part of the tale is the beginning. Try to hook the readers in via a problem or mystery. Create an event or situation that grabs attention, such as a lost treasure, a curse, an unexpected discovery, or a missing friend.

When pursuing the story, make sure to introduce magical elements gradually. Don’t reveal all the mysteries at once. Unfold the secrets a story holds as the story progresses.

Kids love unexpected turns in a story that surprises and delights them. So, you should introduce a plot twist that changes the direction and flow of the story. This technique shouldn’t be the entire focus of the story but an element to add to take an engaging turn.

Try to Be Creative with the Details

A tale is built around creativity to spark engagement. Therefore, use language that is easy to understand for kids but rich in imagery. Make readers imagine the story’s scenes with the help of playful descriptions to give rise to wonder.

Another way to achieve this goal is by describing sounds, smells, sights, and textures to make the magical world communicative and come alive. For example, use phrases like “the soft whisper of leaves in the moonlight” or “the sweet scent of candy flowers.”

End the Story with Moral Lessons

A moral lesson is an important part of tales for kids.

Therefore, you have to end your story with a valuable lesson. The lesson should be possible and can be about friendship, bravery, kindness, honesty, or believing in oneself.

However, make sure the lesson complements the story. Make it feel natural and provide a sense of closure and satisfaction.

Don’t Forget to Use AI Story Generator

If you feel it is difficult to write a story yourself or you want to collect some ideas on your story topic before you start writing, an AI story generator can help you.

Instead of writing a story from scratch, you can use this tool to get a rough draft. Later, you can work on it to improve it further. This way of story writing is like working with a companion. While they offer you ideas, you build on them to get the most out of your time.

To use the tool, describe your story topic, select your story type, length, and creativity, and click on the Generate button. Copy the story or download it to work on it further.

Conclusion

Writing magical tales for kids starts with knowing your audience, their age, and interests. Write simple themes for younger kids and more complex plots for older ones.

Then, create an imaginative world full of unseen wonders, such as dark forests, talking animals, or hidden kingdoms. Develop relatable characters with unique traits and flaws, like a brave child, a talking squirrel, or a kind-hearted witch.

Introduce exciting twists, like a surprising discovery or a sudden problem, to keep the story engaging. Use vivid descriptions to make the story come alive with sights, sounds, and feelings.

End with a meaningful lesson about kindness, bravery, or friendship. If needed, use an AI story generator for inspiration to help you get started and refine your ideas.

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Related Resources:

Parents of kids aged 3-12 read about the safe content on Amazon Kids+
A parents guide to setting up a Smart TV for safe watching.
How to set parental controls for in app purchases.

Coloring pages have become a beloved pastime for people of all ages, from young children to adults. These simple sheets of paper, adorned with black-and-white drawings, invite us to explore our creativity and express ourselves through color. But what exactly are coloring pages, and why have they surged in popularity recently?

Let’s dive into the colorful world of this delightful hobby.

The History of Coloring Pages

Coloring pages have a rich history that dates back to the early 19th century. Originally, they were part of educational books meant to teach children about the alphabet and basic shapes. As printing technology evolved, so did coloring books, becoming more widely available and affordable. By the mid-20th century, coloring books had become a staple in children’s activities, featuring beloved cartoon characters and simple designs.

With the advent of the internet and digital technology, coloring pages have transformed again. Today, you can find intricate designs and themes ranging from mandalas to cityscapes, appealing to adults and children alike. This evolution highlights how coloring pages have grown from educational tools to a creative outlet for all ages.

Benefits of Coloring Pages for Kids

Coloring is more than just a fun activity for kids; it’s also a powerful tool for development. When children color, they improve their fine motor skills, learning to hold crayons or pencils correctly, which prepares them for writing. Coloring also encourages creativity and imagination, as kids choose colors and create their unique masterpieces.

Furthermore, coloring pages can be a cognitive exercise. As children learn to recognize and choose colors, understand patterns, and differentiate shapes, they’re also developing their problem-solving skills and attention to detail. For some children, especially those with anxiety or ADHD, coloring can be a calming activity that helps them focus and manage stress.

Coloring Pages for Adults: A Surprising Trend

You might think coloring is just for kids, but think again! Over the past decade, adult coloring books have become a global phenomenon. Why are adults reaching for crayons and markers? It turns out that coloring offers significant psychological benefits. Many find it meditative and relaxing, a way to unwind after a stressful day.

Adult coloring books often feature intricate patterns and detailed images, which require concentration and offer a satisfying sense of accomplishment. Popular themes include mandalas, nature scenes, and even famous works of art, providing adults with a creative escape from the demands of everyday life.

Digital vs. Traditional Coloring Pages

These days, coloring doesn’t have to be done on paper. There are countless apps and digital platforms where you can color using your smartphone, tablet, or computer. Digital coloring offers unique benefits, like the ability to easily correct mistakes and the convenience of carrying a coloring app wherever you go.

However, traditional coloring still holds a special place in many hearts. The tactile experience of holding a crayon or colored pencil and the physical act of coloring on paper can be incredibly satisfying and even therapeutic. Both forms of coloring offer unique advantages, so it’s all about personal preference.

Educational Uses of Coloring Pages

Coloring pages aren’t just for fun; they can also be educational. Teachers often use coloring sheets to introduce new concepts in a fun, engaging way. For example, coloring pages with maps can teach geography, while those with historical figures can spark discussions about history.

Coloring can also help in language learning. By coloring objects and labeling them in different languages, students can expand their vocabulary and reinforce their learning visually. Even complex subjects like math and science can benefit from the visual and interactive nature of coloring.

Therapeutic Uses of Coloring Pages

Coloring isn’t just for fun and education; it can also be therapeutic. Many therapists use coloring pages as a tool in therapy sessions, especially for children and adults who find it hard to express themselves verbally. The act of coloring can help individuals relax, reduce anxiety, and even process complex emotions.

There are many stories of people who have found solace in coloring during tough times. It’s a simple yet powerful activity that can provide comfort and a sense of control, particularly when life feels overwhelming.

Popular Themes for Coloring Pages

The variety of themes available in coloring pages is vast and caters to a wide range of interests. Nature and animals are perennial favorites, offering soothing and familiar imagery. Mandalas and intricate patterns are popular among those who enjoy a challenge and the opportunity for detailed work.

Cartoon characters and pop culture themes remain popular, especially among children. Inspirational quotes and affirmations combined with creative designs can be a source of motivation and positivity for adults looking to relax and reflect.

How to Choose the Right Coloring Pages

Selecting the right coloring page can significantly enhance your experience. For children, it’s crucial to choose age-appropriate designs that match their skill level. Too simple, and they might get bored; too complex, and they might feel frustrated.

For adults, consider what you enjoy most—whether it’s detailed patterns that require concentration or simpler designs that allow for creative freedom. Mixing up your choices can keep the activity fresh and exciting.

Creating Your Own Coloring Pages

Why not take it a step further and create your own coloring pages? It’s easier than you might think! You can start with simple sketches or use digital tools like Adobe Illustrator Procreate to create intricate designs. Making your own pages adds a personal touch and allows you to explore your creativity in new ways.

Coloring Pages as Gifts and Keepsakes

Colored pages make for thoughtful and unique gifts. Whether it’s a birthday card, a framed piece of art, or a personalized bookmark, the possibilities are endless. Plus, creating something by hand adds a personal and sentimental touch that store-bought gifts just can’t match.

Tips for an Enhanced Coloring Experience

To make the most out of your coloring sessions, it’s essential to have the right tools. Invest in good quality crayons, markers, or colored pencils. Experiment with different techniques like shading, blending, and layering to add depth and dimension to your artwork.

Also, creating a comfortable and organized space for coloring can enhance the experience. A clean, well-lit area free from distractions allows you to focus and immerse yourself in the activity fully.

Where to Find Free Coloring Pages

There are countless resources for free coloring pages online. Websites like Crayola, Coloring Pages for Kids, and even Pinterest offer a wide range of options. Social media groups and communities also often share free designs, allowing you to explore new themes and styles.

Don’t overlook local resources like libraries and community centers, which often have free coloring sheets and host events like coloring clubs or workshops.

The Future of Coloring Pages

As technology continues to advance, the world of coloring pages is also evolving. We’re seeing new trends emerge, such as augmented reality (AR) coloring books, where the colored image comes to life through an app. This blend of traditional and digital coloring offers a new dimension of creativity and engagement.

Conclusion

Coloring pages have come a long way from their humble beginnings as simple educational tools. Today, they are a universal pastime that offers numerous benefits, from enhancing creativity to providing therapeutic relief. Whether you’re a child learning to color within the lines or an adult seeking a moment of calm, coloring pages have something for everyone. So grab your crayons or open that coloring app, and let your creativity flow!