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kids REGISTER NOW. SPACE IS LIMITED. NEW FALL PROGRAM! 905-849-0008 Youthful, vibrant environment. No partner required. Let them enjoy the dance discovery of latin & ballroom and give them the social edge - poise, grace, confidence in any situation. blueheel dance studio | 284 church street | www.blueheel.ca 30% OffMention this ad and receive if you register by September 1, 2011 21 W ednesday, A ugust 24, 2011 O A KVILLE BEAVER w w w .insideH A LTO N .com Today's kids are busier than ever before. Be it the increasingly com- petitive nature of scholastic life or the increase of two-income house- holds where kids need something to do other than come directly home after school, children today are much busier than their school- aged counterparts of yesteryear. While it can be fun and benefi- cial for kids to participate in extra- curricular activities, finding the right fit isn't as easy as it sounds. When helping kids find an extra- curricular activity, it's best to con- sider a host of factors. Especially keep in mind that not all kids are the same with respect to interests. And what was enjoyed by their par- ents won't necessarily be enjoyed by them. Getting Started The best place to start is to speak to kids about their interests. Just because Dad loved playing football doesn't mean Junior is destined to be a gridiron great. Kids have their own interests, and those interests can be cultivated with the right extracurricular activ- ity. For example, a creative child might enjoy an after-school art class a couple of times per week. Parents should also consider extra- curriculars that can help kids grow as people. For instance, a child who's shy in public but loves ham- ming it up at home might embrace an after-school theater program. Once options have been dis- cussed with kids, take in a session or two before committing to any- thing. The shy youngster might visit the local theater program and enjoy it thoroughly, or he or she might decide against it. Either way, a visit will give kids and parents a sense of what the program is like and whether or not it's the right fit. When visiting, observe the nature of the program. Is it an encourag- ing, vibrant environment? Are the participants having fun? Get the 411 Parents want their kids to be as safe after school as they are during it. When looking for an extracur- ricular activity, inquire about the staff-to-child ratio and about the staff's professional background. Any staff-to-child ratio that is greater than 12:1 likely indicates a program that is understaffed, which could mean kids won't get the attention they need. Also, ask for the staff's references and work his- tory in the field of child care. Make sure the staff meets all require- ments. Parents should also inquire about program costs. Though many programs are upfront about fees, some have hidden fees that can add up. Such fees can be for uniforms, equipment, trips, etc. Extra fees don't have to exclude a program from consideration, but it's better to know about them in advance. Consider a Child's Grade Level A child's age and grade level should also be considered when choosing an extracurricular activi- ty. Consult teachers about finding an age-appropriate extracurricular activity. For example, less competi- tive activities that emphasize fun might be more appropriate for kids in kindergarten and grade one. For second graders, activities not offered at school, like learning to play an instrument, can help culti- vate a child's interest in a noncom- petitive environment. As kids reach third grade and beyond, consider more rules-based activities, includ- ing team sports. As children get older, look for activities that rein- force learning and help develop character, including their ability to interact with others. When looking for an extracur- ricular activity, parents should con- sider a host of factors, including the child's interests and age. BALLET . JAZZ . TAP . HIP HOP ACRO . LYRICAL . MUSICAL THEATRE LAURA DACYSHYN, DIRECTOR - FORMER DANCER WITH THE NATIONAL BALLET OF CANADA Dance Classes for All Ages RECREATIONAL & COMPETITIVE DANCE AGES 3 T O ADULT AllegroADOakvilleBvr28360.indd 1 8:16:11 10:54 AM REGISTRATION & OPEN HOUSE August 24 - September 8, 2011 Weekdays 2:00 - 8:00pm Saturdays 10:00 - 2:00pm Closed Sundays & Labour Day 2210 Speers Rd. Unit #1, Oakville, ON L6L 2X8 905.815.9239 allegrodance.ca Fall Registration Advertorial Gle~bur nie Scool 2035 Upper Middle Road East, Oakville (905) 338-6236 www.glenburnieschool.com Challenging Academic Curriculum featuring 21st Century Skills ~ Drama / Theatre / Fine Arts Instrumental Music / Choirs Varsity Sports Before / After School Care Enriched Education Pre-K (2.5 yrs.) to Grade 8 ~ Find the right extra-curricular activity for your child Give your child some choices when considering after- school activities.