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Drama Classes- Benefits For Kids

26. October 2016 Administrator Kids Activities (0)
Schools emphasize on a child’s ability to learn, read and write. There is no doubt that these basic skills are important, but communication skills must be given equal importance. Some children have the natural gift of being outspoken, whereas others may require a fairly good amount of appreciation and practice to develop their speech skills.

Being good at communication helps to make new friends, stand out in the crowd and become the teachers’ favorite. These reasons are enough to validate why drama classes are so important for kids with or without effective communication skills.

Drama teaches kids to speak clearly, loudly and with confidence. It also makes them more expressive and confident. They learn to maintain eye contact while speaking, instead of displaying those nervous mannerisms like looking at their feet or scratching their head.

Discussed below are some of the techniques which kids can learn through drama classes:

  • Use of tongue twisters and raps. The drama teachers know how to encourage clear diction. They make use of these warm up exercises to improve kids’ speech delivery.
  • How you say it matters too. To train the kids to be firm while speaking, certain games or discussions are included ‘in-between’ practice. These games help the kid to keep his opinion without any hesitation.
  • Role play. Drama requires kids to enact situations they have never faced before. This gives them experience and equips them for the life outside the school.

These techniques pour-in a number of benefits for kids engaged with drama. Some of the benefits have been discussed below:

  • Freedom of self-expression. Drama is a blend of facial expressions, voice modulation and body language. Kids can benefit by taking these skills beyond stage and using them in general communication. Ability to express is an art and kids learn this art profusely with drama.
  • Drama gives wings to your kid’s imagination. While portraying a character on stage, the kid’s imagination plays a huge role. It adds depth to a role and helps the child to perform better. This increases his creativity and helps him to perform better.
  • Confidence. There is no doubt that performing on stage is a confidence booster. Bringing out the emotions, delivering the dialogues with finesse and receiving applauds is enough to feel confident.
  • Team work. Drama helps to develop team spirit. Introvert kids can also face the audience better through drama. They can make new friends, have a bigger social circle and learn how to respect by working with elders and more talented people.
All in all, drama is a fun activity which helps to bring out hidden talents and also makes you popular!

We, at Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Texas, organize TNT DramaMatters Afterschool, a drama education program for kids of all age groups. For more information, call us at (254) 699 – 5808.

How Kids Benefit From After-School Programs In Texas?

20. October 2016 Administrator Kids Activities (0)
Kids these days are often glued to the television sets, computers, cell phones etc. Thus, parents need to encourage them to indulge in activities that can foster their physical and mental development. Getting the kids enrolled in after-school activities is also a good way to help kids utilize their time and also enhance their skills.

Listed below are some benefits of after-school activities:

  • Explore the hidden talent of kids:  After-school activities can be beneficial in bringing out the hidden potential of your kid. Whether your kid is good at soccer or he is fond of painting, he can choose an activity that interests him. Some of the activities offered in after-school programs are dance, swimming, soccer, cheerleading, basketball etc.
  • Physical activities: Childhood obesity is one of the most rising issues these days. Hence, enrolling the kids in physical activities can help them channelize their energy in an effective manner. It can also improve their overall health. 
  • Inculcating healthy eating habits: Various child care centers organize programs to create awareness about healthy eating habits among kids.  The instructors guide them about the benefits of taking a nutritious diet. Thus, inculcating healthy habits in the kids from a very young age. 
  • Leadership skills: Sports and team building activities help to develop leadership skills among kids. Participating in student council or taking charge of supervision of activities can give the kids a raw experience of life outside the classroom. This can help to prepare the kids for college and professional life.
  • Creativity: For young artists, after school activities serve as a platform to show their out-of-the- box creativity. Kids can indulge in activities such as painting, drawing, photography etc. They can also be encouraged to participate in Arts/ Crafts fundraisers and exhibitions.
  • Time management. This is one of the most important skills that can be acquired through after-school activities. Kids learn how to create a balance between academics, sports, hobbies and self-study. 
  • Lowers stress. Learning a new skill helps to instill self-confidence among kids. Kids who do well in school teams have an elevated self-esteem. This encourages them to be out spoken and also helps them deal with behavioral problems as well.
Thus, after-school activities are fun and exciting. They help the kids with character building and prepares them for their professional life.  

We, at Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Texas, organize a wide range of kids’ activities in Killeen, TX. For more information you can call at (254) 699 – 5808.

Cheerleading: Yells, Chants, Cheers And Fun!!

13. October 2016 Administrator Kids Activities (0)
Cheerleading is one of the most fabulous sports for kids which has gained a lot of popularity over the years. Cheerleaders boost up energy in the team and make the game even more interesting. The activity offers not only physical but various mental benefits for the kids. It is a great source of relaxation and channelizes the energy in a positive manner. Though becoming a cheerleader can be challenging, it has several advantages as well.       

Let's take a look at some of the advantages of enrolling your kid in a cheerleading program:

Helps in strength building

It requires a great amount of physical strength to perform tumbling and tossing. Lower body, shoulder and core muscles need to be very strong. They need to have a balanced control to bear the weight of the teammates while performing lifts. Cheerleading involves a wide range of physical activities such as tumbling, dancing, jumping etc. It acts a great cardio workout and helps in maintaining overall physical fitness of the kid.  It also builds stamina and physical endurance among the cheerleaders.

Increases flexibility

High kick baskets and jumps in cheerleading require a lot of flexibility. Thus, cheerleaders perform stretching exercises before and after the practice. This not only enhances mobility but also improves their posture. The warmup exercises strengthen the spine and reduce the chances of suffering from any muscle strains or sprains while performing. Having an increased flexibility is also known to be beneficial in decreasing stress levels in kids.

Boosts confidence

Performing in front of a large audience as well as receiving appreciation in the form of applauses can reduce stage-fear in kids.  Also, learning a new skill makes them stay ahead of the peers and enhances their self-esteem. It gives them a boost to perform their daily activities in a better way. There’s more to it, the thought of motivating the team can also boost self-confidence and imbibe optimism in the kids which can help them to achieve their goals.   

Enhances team building skills

Cheerleading is the best way of fostering relationships and enhancing team building skills. Motivating the team through ups and down helps in social interaction and is a great way to connect with other members. Cheerleaders always encourage their team to win and stay united.  They help in creating a positive environment and also enhance the social as well as leadership skills among the players. It helps in building trust among team members which is essential to ensure safety of all during the performance.  

Improves coordination

Cheerleading is an activity that is based on timing and rhythm. Since it requires to follow certain sequences and beats, cheerleaders can improve her body control, concentration as well as balance through the activity. For a good performance they need to be in tune with the other team members. Thus, practising this activity on a regular basis can help to improve coordination skills. Cheerleaders will become more disciplined by following a fixed schedule and paying attention to the instructor.  

Means of socialization

It is a perfect way to socialize as it provides the chance to meet other kids having similar interests. It helps in making new friends and improving social skills. Cheerleading is a fun activity which reduces depression and anxiety. It provides a break from the monotonous life and revitalizes energy. It not only helps in leading an active lifestyle but also prepares the cheerleaders to face new challenges.  

We, at Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Texas, organize cheerleading programs for kids of age 7-12 years. The instructors at our club are well trained and provide personalized attention to each kid.  Registrations are open in July-August every year. For enrollment, you need to bring your kid’s birth certificate or Mil. ID. Candidates must live in KISD area or attend KISD schools. The participation fee is $25 and includes the rent of the uniform. For more information, you can call at (254) 699 – 5808 or visit 304 W Ave B, Killeen, TX - 76541.

Basketball: Health Benefits For Kids

20. September 2016 Administrator Kids Activities, Youth Basketball (0)
Basketball is one of the most popular sports in the USA and offers a myriad of benefits of the children. As a result, many parents are enrolling their kids in the basketball leagues offered by the kids clubs in Texas. Getting your child learn basketball skills at a young age not only develops his basic coordination and team-building skills, but also lay the foundation for a physically active life. The continuous shooting, dribbling, passing and rebounding are a great form of exercise and help the players stay fit.

Given below are some of the health benefits kids can have by enrolling in a basketball league:

Builds Endurance

Basketball is a high intensity sport that can help the players to build endurance and improve cardiovascular health. The running, jumping and dribbling are a good workout for the entire body, which boosts aerobic capacity, energy levels as well as metabolism. Endurance building also keeps the heart healthy and reduce the risk of heart problems later in life.

Improves Strength And Motor Skills

Complete motor control is essential to pass and shoot the ball with precision during the game.  Repetitive practice enables the children to gain more control over their muscle forces and body movements. Strength training exercises are aimed at building deltoids, trapezii, neck, lower back and core muscles so that the player can defend himself when the opponent pushes against him. Shooting and running increase leg strength while dribbling builds up the muscles of hand, arm as well as wrist.

Burns Calories

Playing basketball gives you a high impact aerobics exercise that helps to burn a lot of calories. All the running, jumping and lateral movements involved in the game are a fun way to promote physical activity as well as keep childhood obesity at bay. An hour of basketball can burn around 600 to 900 calories, depending upon the weight of the child and intensity of the game.

Increases Ankle Stability

The game involves several movements that work to increase the strength of the lower limbs. Pivoting, multi-directional running, twisting, back and forth movements etc. employ the muscles, tendons, ligaments as well as other structures surrounding the ankle joint. When kids participate in basketball leagues, they are trained to maintain the stability of the ankle to maintain balance during all these movements. It not only increases joint stability but also reduces the risk of injuries.  

Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Texas organizes different basketball leagues for kids of 2nd to 6th grade. For details about the enrollment procedure, you can call at (254) 699 – 5808 or visit the kids club at 304 W Ave B, Killeen, TX – 76541. 

After-School Activities In Texas

19. August 2016 Administrator Kids Activities (0)
After-school activities have various physical, social and mental benefits for kids. These activities not only improve their academic performance but also assist in exploring their hidden potential and building leadership skills among children.

There are many kids clubs in Texas offering an interesting mix of options for after-school activities. Depending on the interest of your child, you can enroll him in any activity such as sports, art and craft, health and hygiene or tutoring program.

Discussed below are some of the benefits of after-school activities for kids:

  • Help in keeping children physically fit: After-school activities are a great way to help the children in improving their physical fitness. These days, most kids spend a lot of time in front of electronic gadgets and refrain from going outdoors. However, enrolling your children in a sports program will not only keep them physically fit but also promote teamwork and leadership skills.
  • Develop creativity: Some of the most interesting after-school activities involve art and craft as well as music. The activities give a creative outlet to children and allow them to express their emotions, utilize their curiosity in a productive manner and develop problem solving skills. By discovering their hidden talents and abilities, children gain a lot of confidence which is a crucial aspect of personality development.
  • Build self-esteem: After-school activities provide the children a great opportunity to hone their skills in a relaxed setting without any pressure. Getting a grip on new things and mastering them makes children more confident and builds their self-esteem. This is a useful personality trait which proves to be very beneficial in the future.
  • Release stress: Children can often get stressed due to the academics or peer pressure at school. After-school activities are performed in a relaxed environment where there is no such pressure on the kids. They are allows to be their own self and do what they want to. This releases stress and calms the mind so that children can learn new things more easily. They develop social skills and shed their inhibitions by interacting with other kids.
  • Inculcate teamwork: After-school activities make the kids realize the importance of teamwork. They also learn important lessons about sportsmanship spirit and healthy competition. Children also understand that participation is more important than winning and they should take defeat in their stride. Giving their best performance is more important without worrying about the result.
  • Improve academic performance: Involvement in after-school activities also helps in improving grades and overall academic performance. The general behavior and work habits of children tend to show a positive growth as a result of engaging in extracurricular activities.
Enroll your child in the after-school activities organized at Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Texas for his overall development. We offer various educational, art, sports, character and leadership programs for kids aged 6 to 18 years. For more information, you can call us at (254) 699 – 5808.

Educational Activities For Kids In Central Texas

12. August 2016 Administrator Kids Activities (0)
Enrolling your kids in educational programs can not only sharpen their cognitive abilities but also develop their interest in academics. These activities instill a sense of self-actualization and help them become better learners.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Texas organizes various educational activities for kids of different age groups. These activities aim at improving their academic and practical skills. The staff at the club identifies the kids’ strengths as well as weaknesses and suggest ways to work upon the weak areas.

Listed below are various educational activities organized by the kids club in Texas:

  • Project Learn: This program aims at boosting the academic performance of kids aged between 6 and 18 years. It includes activities such as leisure reading, writing, homework help etc.  Kids can also discuss all their doubts and queries with the staff. Stimulating games such as scrabble are also organized to improve cognitive abilities of kids.   
  • Goals For Graduation: Kids of age group 6-15 years are taught to set achievable goals. Their daily action plans are linked to their future aspirations. The staff creates specific strategies to help the kids achieve their short and long term goals.     
  • Power Hour: Kids aged between 6 and 16 years can participate in this program. The staff provides complete tutoring and homework help to improve their academic grades. They also motivate the kids to keep a track of their progress so that they become self-directed learners.
  • Career Launch: The club encourages kids aged between 13 and 18 years of age to explore their hidden skills. This can help them make an informed decision regarding their career. The staff also provides practical job hunting advice to kids.
  • Junior Staff Career Development: In this program, various activities are organized to help the kids of age group 11-18 years explore the career options in youth and human services. Field trips to other service organizations prepare the youth to become a volunteer leader.  
  • Skill Tech: This program helps the kids aged between 6 and 18 years to learn practical computer skills. The staff uses innovative and animated tutorials to enhance networking skills. They help the kids become well-acquainted with word processing, spread sheets and other productivity software.
  • Money Matters: The club aims at developing basic money management skills among children of age group 13-18 years. The staff members provide effective tips to manage a checking account, create a budget as well as save and invest for college.  They also help the kids learn about starting a small business.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Texas is a renowned child care center in Killeen, TX organizing a wide range of educational activities for kids. For more information, you can call at (254) 699 - 5808 or visit 304 W Ave B, Killeen, TX – 76541.

Why Enroll Your Kids In Art Activities

5. August 2016 Administrator Kids Activities (0)
Art activities play an important role in developing the cognitive skills and creative abilities of kids. School education mainly focuses on improving academic grades but it is equally essential to let the kids explore their artistic side and develop their personality. There are numerous kids clubs in Texas that offer engaging art classes for kids in different age groups.

Given below are some benefits of enrolling your kids in art activities:

  • Develops motor skills: Painting and drawing promote the development of fine motor skills in children. Motor skills are crucial for daily activities such as reading, writing, tying shoelaces, buttoning or unbuttoning the shirt, etc. Therefore, engaging your child in art activities will polish his motor skills which will help him in various other activities as well.
  • Enhances Math skills: When children are involved in art activities, they get introduced to new concepts such as sizes, shapes and angles. Learning about these is helpful in improving mathematics skills. Children discover how to make comparisons between various objects, memorize numbers and even learn the basics of spatial reasoning.
  • Improves problem-solving abilities: Art activities help children develop problem-solving abilities. They also promote the improvement of sensory awareness and manual agility. This is because different art activities involve observing certain things and then recreating them. Combining imagination with reality encourages out-of-the-box thinking which is essential for overall development of the child.
  • Relieves stress: The pressure of academics in school can sometimes become overbearing for kids and it is important to give them a break from the monotony of books. Indulging in art activities frees their mind from the burden of studies. They get to experience creative freedom in an art class which may not be possible when they are at school.
  • Perfect way to utilize free time: It is best to get kids enrolled in art activities in a kids club if you want to channelize their energy in a positive direction. This is one of the best ways to put their free time to use and contribute to their overall personality development. Various art programs are offered by kids clubs in Texas and you can choose the one according to your child’s interest.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Texas organizes various art programs for kids aged between 6 and 18 years. For details about enrollment, you can call at (254) 699 – 5808 or visit the club at 304 W Ave B, Killeen, TX – 76541.

Camping Safety Tips For Kids In Texas

21. July 2016 Administrator Kids Activities (0)
Camping is a great outdoor activity that every child must be exposed to. However, being outdoors also comes with several risks that should be taken care to ensure the safety of the children. A little bit of planning and carefulness can go a long way in making sure that kids have a wonderful camping experience. .

Following are some safety tips if your kids are going camping in Texas:

  • Keep safe drinking water: Unsafe water is the most common cause of diseases like Diarrhea, stomach infection or bloating. Make sure your child carries bottled drinking water or iodine tablets to purify water. Kids must also be taught not to waste water.
  • Keep ample food supplies: Considering the age group of the fellow campers, let your child carry enough supplies of food along. Bread, fruits, nutrition bars, candies etc. are portable stuff which can be kept in extra quantities. Easy to cook/prepare food items are good options while camping as kids may feel hungry in short time spells due to all the playing and adventure activities.
  • Appropriate clothing and footwear: Instruct the kids to carry sufficient clothes along as they tend to get dirty, wet or soiled during camping. Keep an eye on the weather forecast so you can instruct them to carry extra layers, caps, gloves etc. Shoes must also be suitable to walk on rough terrains as uncomfortable footwear will ruin their experience.
  • Plan for natural conditions: Kids should not go camping without the proper gear to tackle unexpected rains, heat or storms. Enough raincoats, caps, umbrellas, sleeping bags, water proof tents must be kept so that kids are not left out in the open in case of any emergency.
  • Lay down rules: The rules at the camp site must be laid down well in advance. The kids must be told that they must never leave the group’s site or enter anyone else’s. A whistle may be provided to them so they can use it whenever required. First aid tips must also be handed out in advance.
  • Education about surroundings: Another way to keep kids safe is to let them know where they are going. Teach them about poisonous plants or dangerous animals that may be present in the surroundings. Also tell them about the significance of keeping their natural surroundings clean by not littering anywhere.
Keep the above tips in mind to ensure a memorable camping experience for children. Too much stress on the negatives will deflate their spirits. Prepare them mentally to face challenges while also taking necessary precautions to have a good time.

We, at Boys & Girls Clubs Of Central Texas, organize camping and other recreational activities for kids. For details, you can call at (254) 699-5808 or visit 304 W Ave B, Killeen, TX – 76541.  

Importance Of Extracurricular Activities For Kids

14. July 2016 Administrator Kids Activities (0)
Extracurricular activities have always played a major role in the overall development of children of all age groups. Whether it is a sports program, art classes, music lessons or any other interesting activity, the child gets an opportunity to learn something new and interesting. Though many people think the activities are a distraction from studies, participation in these can actually enhance academic achievement. Moreover, the children are also able to learn many essential life skills that help them throughout their lives.

Given below are a few reasons you should consider enrolling your kid in extracurricular activities:

  • Explore Hidden Talent: Every child has some in-built talent that needs to be explored and honed. When a child participates in an extracurricular activity, he is able to identify his forte and work towards improving his skills in that niche. It can also help them discover different career options and decide if they want to pursue their passion for long term.
  • Learn Time Management: Another benefit of being involved in extracurricular activities is that the kids learn to manage their time more efficiently. A child who has to complete school assignments and attend activity classes is more likely to plan ahead so that he is able to perform both tasks easily. Learning the skill of time management in school allows them to competently prioritize things later in life.
  • Improve Creativity: Out-of-the-box thinking is essential to be successful in today’s world. However, creativity is not always innate. It needs to be nurtured in the right way at the right time. Extracurricular activities, whether it is a debate club, writing class or art program, allow children to think differently and innovatively. Thus, children tend to develop qualities that most employers look for.
  • Build Social Skills: Extracurricular activities give your kids a chance to meet other children having similar interests. Thus, besides leading a new skill, they are able to make many new friends. Meeting them regularly and participating in group activities further fosters this bonding as well as develops a sense of belongingness.
  • Physical And Mental Fitness: Your child can improve his physical and cognitive development by being a part of extracurricular activities. Playing endurance sports teach them to be resilient and handle difficult situations with patience. They also boost metabolism and blood circulation. Other activities improve strategic thinking, problem solving and reasoning skills.  
If you are looking for extracurricular activities for kids in Texas, consider Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Texas. We organize a wide range of programs for kids aged 6 – 18 years old. For more information, you can call us at (254) 699 – 5808 or visit 304 W Ave B, Killeen, TX – 76541.

Reasons To Enroll Your Child In Music Lessons

7. July 2016 Administrator Kids Activities (0)
Encouraging children to develop interest in music provides numerous benefits for their overall development. Although they can choose to enroll in various sports and recreational activities after school, music lessons are also a good option that can be added to the list. There are many kids clubs in Texas that offer music classes for children of all age groups.

Listed below are some ways music lessons can be beneficial for kids:

  • Improves academic performance: Music lessons can help your child improve his mathematical skills. Knowledge of beat, rhythm and scales hone their ability to divide as well as calculate fractions. He also gets introduced to the scientific principles of physics such as harmonic and sympathetic vibrations when playing certain musical instruments.
  • Augments motor skills: Music helps in enhancing the motor skills in children. These skills are crucial for them to carry out a number of daily activities such as catching a ball while playing, reading, drawing, tying shoelaces, writing etc. The motor skills continue to develop if the child continues playing a musical instrument as he keeps on growing.
  • Encourages kids to achieve goals: Having perfection in playing a musical instrument is a long-term achievement that requires systematic goal-setting. Therefore, taking music lessons helps children in setting goals for themselves and work relentlessly to achieve them.
  • Instills a sense of teamwork: When a child joins music classes in a kids club, he gets to communicate and interact with his peers. The instructor may create small groups of children and ask them to create a melody collectively. This makes students work as a team and helps in instilling social skills in them. They realize the value of contributing as an individual for the success of the entire team.
  • Inculcates patience: Learning to play a musical instrument requires a great deal of patience and perseverance. The child needs to master the art of holding the instrument properly and positioning his body perfectly. When kids start playing an instrument, they have to go through months of rigorous practice sessions before they can become a pro at it. This, in turn, helps the child develop patience and self-discipline.
We, at Boys & Girls Clubs Of Central Texas organize summer music camp for teens aged 13 to 18 years. For details about enrollment, you can call us at (254) 699 – 5808 or visit the club at 304 W Ave B, Killeen, TX – 76541.