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Self-Expression: Key To Child Development

27. May 2021 Administrator Blog (0)
Self-expression can be defined as expressing one’s thoughts and feelings, and these expressions can be accomplished through words, choices or actions. Encouraging children to express themselves from an early age is vital for their overall development and self-confidence. Self-expression fosters feelings of independence, self-advocacy and creativity. There are three types of self-expression i.e. playful, building and artistic expression.

Here are some ways with which children can be encouraged to express themselves:

  • Writing: Children could be encouraged to write about their day, feelings, thoughts, ideas, etc. This form of expression may help them understand themselves and sort out their thoughts. This can be done in the form of journaling, blogging, maintaining a diary, etc.
  • Conversation: Teach your child about the art of conversation by initiating topics of discussion, asking questions, making eye contact, controlling awkward body movements, conversing about things that are not routine-based, teaching them to ask for favors when necessary and how to do so, etc.
  • Clothing: Your child’s way of dressing is also a form of self-expression that should not be limited to societal trends and norms. Encourage your child’s style of clothing, choice of colors, etc. and refrain from imposing your choices.
  • Choice: Support your child’s choices when it comes to things like sports, hobbies, after-school activities, books, voluntary work and more. This is the foundation for a well-developed and confident personality. The possibility of having a choice boosts self-confidence and is an intrinsic part of self-expression.
  • Art: Artistic expression provides children with an outlet for strong emotions and feelings that are difficult to put into words. Examples of artistic expressions are painting, sketching, drawing, coloring, etc. For maximum benefits, allow your child to express his artistic side without any boundaries and rules.
  • Play: Playing is one of the best forms of self-expression for kids. When children play with other children, they learn the art of cooperation, the value of respect and important inter-personal skills. After school clubs such as Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Texas offer a safe place for to play within reasonable rules and boundaries.
  • Building Objects: The construction of objects such as dollhouses, stacks of wooden bricks (Jenga), model cars, LEGO, etc., helps in fostering creativity and self-expression. Children learn the importance of using creativity under a set of instructions and boundaries to produce the end result.
Conclusion: Apart from self-expression, the above-mentioned activities help children become problem solvers and develop socio-emotional skills, positive mental health, fine motor skills and more. Other forms of self-expression are dancing, story-telling, music, playing with dough, etc.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Texas organize an array of after-school activities to help kids develop self-expression in Killeen, TX.  To know more about importance of self-expression among kids, visit 703 N. 8th Street, Killeen, TX - 76541. You can also call at (254) 699 – 5808.

The Crucial Role Of Recess In School

28. February 2020 Administrator Blog (0)
It is believed that including recess in school schedule has myriad benefits on the overall development of a child’s personality. It provides a much-needed break from a time-constrained academic schedule giving a child an opportunity to socialize. Also, students get time to explore and build cognitive, emotional, physical and academic skills. As per the American Academy of Pediatrics, recess is crucial to the overall development of a child and should be encouraged in schools. It provides a child with interactive and explorative experiences in an unstructured environment

Listed below are some benefits of recess for the development of a school-going child:

  • Academic Benefits: Children who are granted time for recess amidst their academic sessions at school have higher chances of performing better academically. This is because of the invaluable physical, cognitive and emotional benefits that recess has to offer. Such kids have higher energy levels, better retention and are more alert in class. A small break recharges them for academic sessions and boosts their overall academic performance.
  • Cognitive Benefits: Recess encourages children to run around and move freely. This has profound benefits on a child’s mental abilities related to focusing and overall brain function. Irrespective of whether recess is outdoors or indoors, it optimizes cognitive processing and makes a child more attentive and productive in class.
  • Social Benefits: During recess, children get to practice valuable social skills with peers. They learn how to negotiate, solve problems, improve coping skills, work as a team, cooperate, exercise self-control and develop other positive social habits. Having both positive and challenging social interactions helps kids in developing important life skills like leadership and negotiation.
  • Emotional Benefits: A child develops a high emotional quotient if exposed to activities that grant freedom of thought and movement. It can lead to huge emotional benefits for a child. Recess provides great lessons for managing emotions. It provides a healthy and safe environment to vent-out excessive energy and stress that build-up due to academics and fixed routines. Kids who enjoy recess time at school are more likely to grow into happier, responsible, empathetic and less stressed adults.
  • Physical Benefits:  Recess provides an opportunity for children to be physically active. Physical activity helps with fighting obesity, improving mental clarity, boosting one’s mood and generally improving overall health. As per the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), physical activity of at least 60 minutes every day is required for kids to be healthy and active.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Texas provide various opportunities for students to learn and grow. The aim of the clubs is to engage children in life-enhancing programs. For further information on the crucial role of recess in school, visit 304 W Ave B, Killeen, TX – 76541. You can also call at (254) 699 – 5808.