Engaging extracurricular activities for children, from sports and arts to hobbies and creative pursuits, designed to build confidence, skills, teamwork and creativity.
An international study finds that three- and four-year-olds average 18,000 steps daily, with significant variations influenced by environment, income, and gender, challenging fixed step targets for early childhood activity. Children aged three and four are far more active than many…
New Taipei City’s Education Bureau introduces free weekend parent-child STEAM workshops this autumn, aiming to deepen family involvement in hands-on interdisciplinary learning and boost confidence among young girls in science and technology. New Taipei City’s Education Bureau is rolling out…
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County launches Sports Buddies, a free programme pairing children with adult mentors via group sports activities to foster trust, confidence, and positive outcomes. Sports can do more than keep children moving. For some families,…
A pioneering long-term Australian study reveals that children with higher levels of fitness are less likely to develop depression later in life, emphasising the importance of physical activity in mental health prevention. A long-running Australian study suggests children who are…
A new research study suggests that just three minutes of contact with miniature horses and donkeys can significantly improve teenagers’ emotional well-being, highlighting the potential of low-cost animal-assisted support for youth facing emotional challenges. A few minutes with a miniature…
A new Rhode Island study suggests that sustained involvement in arts, particularly music, correlates with lower rates of chronic absenteeism among public school students, highlighting the potential educational benefits of arts integration. At Mount Pleasant High School in Providence, Danielle…
A new evaluation reveals that young people participating in surf therapy experience similar mental health improvements whether riding natural waves at the coast or using inland wave pools, potentially broadening access to this therapeutic practice. A new evaluation of surf…
The Mountaineers in Seattle offers year-round outdoor programmes for children and teens, welcoming families of all backgrounds to gain skills, build confidence, and foster a love for nature through inclusive activities and community-driven adventures. Families do not need to be…
Parents and caregivers in Chautauqua County are encouraged to enrol children in 4-H from October 1, a programme that fosters practical skills, leadership, and civic responsibility through hands-on activities and public speaking opportunities. Parents and caregivers in Chautauqua County are…
Incorporating games, stories, and choices into swim lessons can make water safety and skills more engaging for children, fostering confidence and reducing anxiety while maintaining safety principles. Making swim lessons feel like play can help children relax, stay focused and…
Experts and sports authorities advocate for young children to participate in multiple sports, particularly hockey, to enhance coordination, decision-making, and prevent injuries, challenging early specialisation trends. Young children who play ice hockey often benefit from trying several sports, not just…
A comprehensive review of 31 trials reveals that structured exercise, customised to target specific motor abilities, significantly improves object control, locomotor skills, and balance in children and adolescents with autism, highlighting the importance of personalised intervention strategies. A new meta-analysis…
