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Ways To Encourage Your Child To Be Physically Active

14. March 2017 Administrator Blog, Youth Football (0)
Keeping kids physically active is important for their overall health and well-being.  However, with the progression of age and increased academic burden, it may get difficult to engage them in various physical activities. One of the simplest ways to do this is by enrolling them in a kids club. This will not only keep them physically active but also promote better sleep and provide a better outlook towards life. As a parent, you need to be committed towards increasing your child’s physical activity levels as it will have a lifelong impact on his well-being.

Below is a list of different ways in which you can encourage your child to be physically active:

  • Encourage participation in sports: It is important to let your child choose a sport that he loves as this will help him enjoy the activity a lot more. Be it football, basketball or badminton, the free time in between studies can be spent being physically active.
  • Become a good role model: You should set a good example in front of your children by exercising regularly. When children see their parents physically active, they tend to get more active themselves. Enlighten your children about the importance of exercise and try to involve them in your exercise routine. 
  • Plan age-based activities: The level of any physical activity should be according to the age of your child. For instance, if your child is a pre-schooler, you need to engage him in activities that assist in development of motor skills. On the other hand, school-aged kids can get involved in sports such as youth football, basketball, biking, trekking etc. Teenagers can attend gym classes, enroll in a gymnastic class or play any type of sport they enjoy.
  • Give outdoor time: You should send your child outside more often in order to encourage him to be more active. You can take your child to a nearby park to play Frisbee or accompany him while he rides a bicycle on the trail. Also, allow your child to spend more time with his friends as this is likely to make him more active.
  • Actively support your child: Buy good equipment that your child requires for a specific physical activity such as sports etc. Tag along to pick and drop your child when he goes to a kids club or practice sessions. Go and watch him play and make your child’s physical activity a priority. Play with him while you are in the park so that he enjoys being physically active and doesn’t see it as a strenuous activity.
  • Emphasize on the fun factor: Persuade your child to get involved in a variety of physical activities and help him learn new playing skills. Don’t focus on being too competitive and show complete confidence in his abilities. This will encourage him to be physically active.
We, at Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Texas, organize a wide range of sports and recreational activities for kids. To know more about the activities offered, call at (254) 699 – 5808.

Benefits Of Fine Arts For Kids

24. February 2017 Administrator Kids Activities (0)
Kids start painting and drawing from a very young age. They use art to express emotions and various feelings. It is also widely used in schools specifically pre-schools and kindergartens to teach children how to read and write. Art provide kids with critical thinking skills and a way to release their stress. Engaging children in art activities help them to thrive in all the aspects of life. It results in their healthy mental growth and boost creativity.  

Listed below are some fine arts activities and the benefits each serve.

Painting

Painting and drawing is loved by small kids. It is a form of fun and entertainment for them. It is the best tool for kids with autism and other disabilities, who find difficulty in communicating with others. With the help of painting they can easily communicate their emotions and feelings. It also boost imagination, regulate hand movements and strengthen their fine motor skills. Painting eliminates any chance of developing memory loss illness and promotes an optimistic attitude.

Sculpting

Sculpting helps in calming kids with high activity levels. Kids do not express anger or frustration during sculpting because the clay is flexible and they can turn it into anything they want. It also help them to follow and remember specific techniques. The professionals at art classes give kids different pottery tools and directions about how to use such things. Kids make sure that they remember everything and follow the given directions closely. It also helps them in understanding the shape, form and perspective.

Printmaking

Printmaking is also an interesting way through which kids can show their artistic side. The kids learn a disciplined form of art as printmaking involves different methods and techniques. It refines the movement of their muscles and enhance creativity.

Collage making

Encouraging your kid to participate in activities like collage making can really help in boosting his imagination and for developing fine motor skills. It will also teach him how to use old things to create something good out of it. Through collage making kids connect meanings to different shapes and colors. This shows their highly creative side as well as offers opportunity for self expression. They experiment with different patterns and styles to achieve perfection.  

Different art forms and activities are not only fun but are also helpful for overall development of a child. Let your kid decide which art activity he is interested in and is right to discover his true potential.

We, at Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Texas, organize an array of art programs for kids of all age groups. For more information, you can call at (254) 699 – 5808 or visit 304 W Ave B, Killeen, TX – 76541.

How To Make Homework Easier For Kids

17. February 2017 Administrator Tutoring (0)
Homework time can be a bit challenging for some parents, as their children show no interest in completing it. Here we have mentioned some methods, which can assist you in portraying homework as a fun filled activity rather than a monotonous task.

  • Establish a creative environment – In order to generate interest in homework, you must create a heathy environment. Look for an isolated room and ensure that while studying, your kid stays away from gadgets that can distract them. To create an encouraging atmosphere, you may also bring fancy notebooks and other stationery items for your child.
  • Be a motivator –Do not try to control your child and scold him for not doing his homework. Instead, try narrating him success stories of great people and their accomplishments, so that he knows the importance of a good education. It will help your child to develop interest in his studies.
  • Schedule a regular homework time – In order to develop a routine of your child and ensure that he gets ample time to participate in all other activities, you can dedicate a particular time slot for doing homework. This will help your kid to see his homework as a routine activity and not a burden.
  • Give rewards on every progress – Setting up a reward system can help homework look like a fun activity rather than a boring task. For instance, if your child completes homework on time, you may buy him his favorite ice-cream or a chocolate.
  • Play education games – In order to make doing homework look fascinating, you can always convert the assignments into a game. For example, if your child is working on vocabulary, you can create flash cards to help him remember the word and its meaning.
  • Accompany your kid – Do not let your kid sit alone and do the home work. You can sit with him for some time and try to clear the doubts that he may face while completing his assignments. This will keep your child motivated and focused while studying.
  • Opt for tutoring programs: If you notice that your child is not responding well to all the above mentioned methods, you may opt for tutoring programs. These programs will help your kid become a self-directed learner and will improve his academic skills.
We, at Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Texas, offer homework help programs for kids of all age groups. For more information you can call at (254) 699 - 5808 or visit at 304 W Ave B, Killeen, TX – 76541.

Digital Art Courseware For Kids

19. January 2017 Administrator Kids Activities (0)
As the world is advancing at a fast pace, even art is going digital. Latest technology is being used to showcase creativity in its best form. Web designing, photo illustration, music technology etc. are some new fields which have gained popularity these days. They help to make kids proficient in computers and stay updated with advanced software.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Texas is a leading club that offers digital art courseware for kids. It consists of the following programs:  

  • Design Tech: Kids are taught to learn artistic concepts and create animated videos. They even learn graphic designing.
  • Photo Tech: Through this program, kids learn to capture high quality photographs. They use different types of software to edit pictures. Kids can also acquire the skill of applying image filters and layering.   
  • Music Tech: It is a great platform where kids are allowed to compose and record songs. They are also made to understand the music theory.
  • Movie Tech : Gaining a thorough knowledge of screenplay writing, filming and editing digital movies can be helpful for the kids and open the path to a successful career.
Benefits Of Digital Arts:

  • Explore new career options: Digital arts is a combination of traditional art skills and new media applications. It offers various career opportunities for kids as they can become animators, web designers, photographers, game developers, creative directors etc. based on the skills they possess.  They can even work in advertizing and multimedia firms. This can lead them to a bright future ahead.
  • Makes learning fun: Digital arts involve the use of various innovative techniques. Kids can experiment and explore various drawing as well as painting options.  This helps to enhance creativity and make learning a better experience for them.
  • Self-directed learning: There are various software which allows the kids to check their mistakes and easily rectify them. This helps them in becoming self-directed learners and accomplish their goals.  
Digital arts is a great platform to gain knowledge and hone various skills. It enhances the imagination and helps the kids to think out of the box which makes them stand out of the crowd. This improves their self-confidence and self-esteem.

If you want to make your kid a digital artist, you can consider enrolling him to Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Texas. For more information about the kids activities offered by the club, call at (254) 699 – 5808 or visit 304 W Ave B, Killeen, TX – 76541.

How To Make the Most Out Of Tutoring: Tips For Parents

12. January 2017 Administrator (0)
A good tutor can help your child with homework and build a strong academic base for him. However, parents can also play a vital role in making the tutoring experience successful and provide quality education to the child. Let’s take a look at some ways in which you can help your child make the most out of the tutoring sessions:

Communication is necessary

It is important to maintain frequent communication with your child’s tutor. He will make you aware about the strengths and weaknesses of the child so that you can assist him overcome the weak areas. An open communication with the tutors may help you to know the reason of his under-performance. In order to keep a track of the progress, you must share your child’s score with the tutors.  This will improve the academic performance of your kid.

Set realistic goals for your child

Make sure you set achievable goals for your kid. You should discuss these goals with the tutor so that they know your expectations. This will help the child to attain his academic goals without putting any unwanted stress on his mind. You can also offer rewards and prizes to him if he gets good grades or completes a project on time. It will encourage your child to work hard and perform better.

Reinforce the lessons

You should assist your child practice the learning material at home. It will help him in grasping the concepts in a better way. You can also make use of everyday examples to make the learning experience interesting.

Encourage your child to ask questions

Asking questions from the tutor will help to clear the doubts and gain a better understanding of the concepts. Your child will be able to retain the information for a longer time and become a logical learner.

Choose a suitable time

You should know the time when your child feels comfortable going for tutoring. It can be right after the school or in the evening. Choosing a suitable time will help the child to become responsive as well as engaged which will increase his efficiency in academics.

If you follow the above mentioned tips, you can definitely assist your child in getting good academic grades.

We, at Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Texas, organize various tutoring programs for kids. For more information, you can call at (254) 699 – 5808 or visit 304 W Ave B, Killeen, TX - 76541.

Reasons Your Kid Should Play Football

27. December 2016 Administrator Youth Football (0)
Most parents wish to enroll their kids in various extra-curricular activities with sports being at the top of the list. A number of questions may arise when it comes to deciding on a sport that will be the most suitable for the kid. One of the most common options is Football. Being a team sport, it lends many benefits to the kids in long run.

Discussed below are a number of reasons that make football the perfect sport for your kid:

Ensures Physical As Well As Mental Growth
Football requires the players to be active, both physically as well as mentally. They should be able to tackle all sorts of moves and make quick decisions while on the field. This can help to boost their all round development.

Incorporates Discipline
A football player has to be disciplined and punctual. Reaching the practice sessions on time and abiding by the rules is a prominent part of the game. The kid learns to follow a defined schedule, respect the opposite team as well as obey the coach.  

Develops Healthy Competition
Indulging in team sports like football, cultivates the feeling of responsibility among the players and at the same time educates them about important life lessons. It teaches the players to strive for victory and take defeat in stride.

A Great Exercise
With running and sprinting throughout the game, the kid gets a great amount of physical exercise. Daily practice involves stretching and strengthening of the muscles which helps to keep them strong as well as flexible. It is a great escape from playing video games or watching TV.

Teaches Cooperation
It is a team sport and cannot be played without mutual cooperation between all the players. The players learn to ignore personal differences and focus on the game. It develops better communication and social skills in the players that can help them in the longer run.

Prepares Kids For Life
Falling and getting back up to play the game is an important lesson that prepares the players for life after school. It teaches them to accept failures in a better way.

All in all, the sport will help your kid to grow into be a stronger human being - emotionally, mentally and physically.

We, at Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Texas, organize Youth Football League for kids in Killeen, TX. For more information, you can call at (254) 699 – 5808 or visit 304 W Ave B, Killeen, TX 76541.

Fun Dental Activities For Kids

20. December 2016 Administrator Kids Activities (0)
Maintaining oral health is important to avoid any tooth problems and ensure fewer visits to the dentist. When it comes to dental care, the earlier you start the better it is. Kids should be taught about the benefits of brushing and other healthy practices such as flossing that prolongs the life of their teeth. There are a number of fun activities for kids that can make dental care interesting. Some of these have been discussed below:

  • Dental Health Programs: Certain kids clubs organize dental health programs. Their aim is to educate the kids about the importance of keeping the teeth clean. They teach them the overall health benefits of maintaining oral hygiene.
  • Demonstrate To Teach: To make learning interactive, you can use various methods to demonstrate the importance of teeth. Use an apple and prick it with a needle to explain how cavities damage the tooth till the roots. Teachers and parents can show them how to properly brush the teeth.
  • Count Them All: Educate the kids about the number of teeth they have by making them count their own. Then show them through illustrations that an adult has 28 to 32 teeth, which once fallen will not grow back. This not only fascinates the kids but they may also get encouraged to take better care of their teeth even when they grow up.
  • Learning Through Coloring: To make the kids familiar with the tooth’s anatomy, you can draw the teeth in different sizes on a sheet and ask the kids to color them. It will help them to understand how the tooth looks. You can also make the kids differentiate between the shapes of the teeth and teach them the various uses of those located in the front as well as back of the mouth.
  • Learn Through The Alphabets: You can draw the teeth on a chalk board to teach the kids about cavities and importance of brushing. Cover the teeth with colored alphabets to demonstrate candies and germs. Hand the kid with a duster which is meant to act like a tooth brush. Guide him to erase them one by one to have shiny clean teeth.  
The above mentioned activities can teach the kids to keep their teeth clean and free from cavities. Inculcate healthy activities in your kids’ routine like brushing twice a day and avoiding sticky, sweet foods. The better they care, the stronger teeth they will have.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Texas offers a wide range of programs to enhance health and life skills of kids. For more information, feel free to call us at (254) 699 – 5808.

Homework Help- A Guide For Parents

13. December 2016 Administrator Tutoring (0)
Homework takes learning beyond the classrooms and is a great way to help the kids remember as well as understand the concepts taught in school. It teaches them to be responsible and gives them a chance to enhance their creativity. Parents can also provide homework help to their kids. They can analyze the quality of assignments given by the teachers and can guide their kid to do it accordingly.

Listed below are a number of ways through which parents can help their kids with their homework:

Create An Environment That Is Conducive To Learning
Parents should make sure that there are no distractions when the kid is doing his homework. Television and computer should either be switched off or the volume should be kept low. The room should be well lit and comfortable.

Prepare And Maintain A Schedule
It is important for kids to devote a fixed amount of time to their homework. Parents can help them to prepare a schedule to make sure they give ample time to self study, homework as well as leisure.

Tutoring Programs
In case you are unable to provide homework help to your child, you can enroll him in a tutoring program. The tutors will help him with homework and clear his doubts. They also provide the required guidance to understand important concepts in a better way.

Encourage Him To Be Creative
Parents should encourage their kid to be creative with his writing assignments. Provide guidance wherever needed but do not pour him with ideas. Make it a point to clear all the doubts and proofread assignments of your child. In case he makes a mistake, be patient and correct him so that he does not repeat it again.

Provide Him With The Required Supplies
To develop interest in homework, provide the child with all the required stationary. If there is a special assignment that needs him to buy things, try to accompany the child to the store.

Treat Him With Rewards And Appreciation
If the child completes homework on his own, it is important for the parents to acknowledge his efforts. Treat him with his favorite dinner and appreciate his efforts in front of the family to motivate him.

Keep In Touch With The Teacher
Parents who are actively involved in their child’s assignments know which areas need more focus. If there are certain concepts that he finds difficult to understand, parents can contact the teachers and discuss ways to help him.
It is necessary for parents to understand that homework is meant to benefit the child. Let him bring out his own imagination and creativity. It is necessary for the child to learn from his homework and not feel discouraged when faced with doubts.

We, at Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Texas, organize tutoring programs for kids in Killeen, TX. For more information, you can call us at (254) 699 – 5808.

Kid Friendly Activities In Texas

23. November 2016 Administrator Kids Activities (0)
All parents want to ensure an all-round development of their child. For this, enrolling him in various kid friendly activities can be a good option. These activities offer a broad spectrum of benefits such as instilling confidence, building character and improving the fitness level of kids. They can also help to explore your child’s hidden potential and helping him choose the right career option.

Listed below are some of the kid friendly activities organized at clubs in Texas:

Career awareness programs
A variety of programs focus on helping the child to develop his academic goals. The idea is to involve him in activities that match his interests. For example, a child aspiring to be a software engineer can enroll in a computer program. He can learn programming and software to further evolve his interest in computers. Kids interested in banking and business can indulge in monetary games such as managing a virtual bank account. They can also take part in more than one career oriented activities in order to identify their interests.

Health and fitness Programs
In order to promote healthy living, fitness and oral hygiene, a wide range of programs are offered by the kids clubs in Texas. They organize dental care workshops as well as create awareness regarding substance abuse such as the harmful effects of alcohol, tobacco and drugs. They incorporate a sense of responsibility in kids by inspiring them to lead a healthy lifestyle.

A platform for the young artists
For kids who are more inclined towards arts, a number of painting exhibitions, photography contests, music camps etc. are organized to let them showcase their talent. These programs aim to encourage kids to pursue arts as a career option. The young artists also get to showcase their acting skills through drama and theater.  

Sports and recreational programs
These programs encourage participation in a number of sports such as football and basketball. Swimming competitions, cheerleading and sports leagues are a great way to promote physical fitness in kids. These activities offer a blend of benefits, such as developing a sense of team spirit, making them responsible and developing leadership qualities in the kids.

Character building programs
These programs are designed to encourage kids to identify their strengths and weaknesses. This helps them to set realistic goals and work towards achieving them. Kids are also encouraged to indulge in group activities such as community service that require showcasing their leadership qualities. It promotes self-esteem in kids and ensures personal improvement.
The various activities discussed above ensure a multi-dimensional growth of the kids. They serve as a platform for young actors, talented artists, future leaders, aspiring business tycoons as well as skilled engineers.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Texas offers a wide range of fun and educational activities for kids of all age groups. For more information, feel free to call us at (254) 699 – 5808.