What are the Benefits of Kids Clubs?

What are the Benefits of Kids Clubs?

1.   Children’s Wellbeing: Emotional and Mental

• Regularly attending a kids club provides children with a sense of belonging to something which, unlike school, isn’t compulsory. This can provide them with a sense of identity.
• Kids clubs can also be a great way of unwinding and reducing stress, away from school and home, allowing them to be themselves without expectation. This, in turn, can improve children’s well-being.
• Achieving and learning new things is a great way to boost self-esteem and improve confidence.

2.   Learning Life Skills

• Children get the opportunity to develop their cultural awareness through meeting peers from different backgrounds, cultures and perspectives.
• They’ll also get a chance to have small responsibilities, whether it’s handing out materials or being a group leader, which not only gives them independence but also leadership skills.
• Children will learn the importance of time management by planning when to do homework, perhaps meeting deadlines, whilst also attending a kids club.

3.   Intellectual Development

• Some clubs can reinforce what children have learnt at school, often in a more relaxed, informal way, and in smaller groups.
• Others focus on creativity, which allows a child to use their imagination. It also helps them to hone their concentration skills.
• Kids clubs encourage learning through play, whether it be team activities, games or experiments.
• Children will develop their ability to focus when doing these activities. This’ll help them to concentrate for longer periods of time, which’ll, in turn, benefit them at school.

4.   Physical Development

• Clubs that encourage physical activity can instil a lifelong interest in keeping fit through regular exercise and other healthy habits.
• Learning through play, regardless of the sport, is an effective way to improve emotional and mental well-being.

5.   Social Development

• Children develop their communication skills in a relaxed environment. This not only includes speaking in front of peers, but also learning to listen and let others speak as well.
• Working with peers also teaches children how to work with others and as part of a team, which involves sharing and turn-taking.
• Children get an opportunity to make friends outside of school and family, developing these relationships through regular attendance at a kids club.

6.   Other Benefits

Yes, there are other benefits, wider benefits, for the community and parents. Having checked the club and people running it, they can relax knowing their children are in a safe and supervised environment, participating in activities they’re interested in.

Furthermore, attending a club not only gives children the opportunity to meet new peers and families to get to know one another, which strengthens community ties in the process.

How can I find the Best Kids Clubs near me?

• You can type this question into a search engine, perhaps changing it to include your area to get more precise results.
• Check out your local authority website, or any community pages, online, or even ask your child’s school or fellow parents.
• You can also look at a directory, like Club Hub, to find kids clubs and activities, anywhere in the UK.

Popular Kids Clubs

• Sports clubs can involve team activities, including football and rugby, as well as sports that involve individual participation, like swimming and martial arts.
• Fitness and Wellbeing clubs include activities like yoga and meditation.
• Arts and Crafts clubs are activities where items are created, often by hand, such as sculptures, pictures and woodwork.
• Technology clubs are becoming more popular, especially with an increasing emphasis on STEM. Children can learn things like coding and using technology to create something, like a robot.
• Performing Arts clubs include music, drama and dance, and sometimes even a performance showcasing skills.

How do I choose the right Kids Club?

Before you decide…

• Have a look at online reviews, even ask parents what their experiences are of the club.
• Find out about their staff: qualifications, how they supervise children, organise activities, and safety procedures.
• What’s the club’s focus? Is it physical, like focusing purely on sports or dance? Do children learn through play? Will it suit your child?
• Involve your child, if they’re old enough, in the decision, after all, they’re the ones potentially joining it, so you want them interested in the activity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the purpose of a children’s club?

Children have an opportunity to meet other children in their community and bond over a common interest. Activities arranged by the children’s club enable them to learn a variety of skills, such as problem-solving, whilst also improving children’s wellbeing and social development.

Should kids do extracurricular activities?

Extracurricular activities help develop many skills that they’re developing in other environments, often in an informal setting and in smaller groups. They can improve life skills, including cooperation and leadership skills.

What makes a good kids club?

There are many things that make a good kids club, but the main thing is providing your child with a positive, fun experience in a safe environment in which they’re also learning. Furthermore, they get to make new friends, try new things or develop an interest.

What do they do at kids clubs?

Kids clubs can focus on one activity, like drama, or several, like team sports. Some clubs reinforce what children have learnt at school, often learning through play. There are plenty of kids clubs to choose from when it comes to finding something your child’s interested in.

How many clubs should a child attend?

Although there’s no strict number, considering children spend a day at school and will more than likely have homework, not forgetting any family obligations and time to relax, it’s down to their available time, energy levels, time management and interests. One or two clubs are enough to avoid adding too much to their schedule, which could lead to stress or burnout. With this in mind, focusing on what interests your child is key to ensuring they’re motivated to regularly attend a kids club.

With kids clubs providing a variety of activities, there’s bound to be one that’ll interest your child, perhaps enough to want to join. As you can see, the benefits of kids clubs will enable them to develop transferable skills. With this in mind, Club Hub has a variety of kids clubs that might be of interest to you and your child. So why not look for one today?

Guest Post written by Elaine Daniels, Twinkl Content Executive

Armed with a degree in language and education, along with her PTLLS and CELTA, Elaine spent many years teaching ESOL within her local community. Just before settling down at Twinkl, she was a freelance writer, writing about many topics, but specialising in academia, well-being, and finance.

A self-confessed nerd, Elaine’s currently studying for a master’s degree in creative writing. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, writing and crocheting. She’s also trying to convince Mika, her cat, that she really is a cat and not a dog.

Elaine’s available for collaborations or guest posts. Reach out to her via [email protected] if you’re interested.