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OAKVILLE BEAVER Wednesday, August 12, 2009 · 14 Keeping children active can improve academic performance (NC) ­ With the end of summer looming, parents may consider decreasing the number of activities their child participates in to ensure their child can focus on academics. However, a recent survey conducted by Ipsos-Reid on behalf of Kumon Math and Reading Centres has found that children that are engaged in extra-curricular activities experience academic benefits beyond their less-active counterparts. According to responses from more than 1,200 Canadian parents, the number of nights a student participates in extra-curricular activities does not negatively impact academic performance. Of those parents surveyed whose child participates in extra-curricular activities on two or more school nights, 84 percent were identified by their parents as academically at or above average grade level. Extra curricular activities are important. They challenge children to explore their talents and interests, develop responsibility, and encourage time management skills as students learn to balance schoolwork, extracurricular activities, social life, health, and for many older students, a job. The survey findings point out that the majority of students who perform well in school have achieved a balance between homework demands and extra curricular activities. This is key to their achievement. The amount and type of extra curricular activities will depend on a number of factors including the age of your child. · Kindergarten to Grade 2: The early school years are a time for your child to adjust to school routines and explore individual interests. Non-competitive sports and other physical activities such as dance or gymnastics are good bets, as well as enhancing your child's creative side with art or music classes. · Grades 3 ­ 6: Team sports are now a good bet at these grade levels. Your child is old enough to remember and follow rules and typically has the maturity to handle a bit of competition. · Grades 7 ­ 12: Pre-teens and teenaged children can be steered toward activities such as clubs of interest, volunteering, and leadership activities at school (e.g., school newspaper) or in the community (e.g., Scouts or Guides). Part time jobs are popular with this age group. While your child will enjoy the extra money and independence that accrues from having a job, now more than ever striving for and maintaining a balance among school work, extra-curricular activities and a job is critical. Parents can help by encouraging their child to become involved in extra curricular activities whether offered at school or in the community. Here are some tips: · Explore the options that are available at your child's school and in the community. Talk to your child's teacher and other parents. · Talk to your child about his or her interests and once you have researched possibilities, discuss those options with your child. · Ensure that your child is not over scheduled and has enough 'down' time during weekdays. This varies from child to child, but some signs of possible over scheduling include irritability, tantrums, regular complaining about the activity itself, a recurring illness such as stomachaches, and a sudden drop in grades. Ballet · Jazz · Tap · Hip Hop · Acro · Musical Theatre Director ­ Laura Dacyshyn, actra,equity,c.d.t.a. Former dancer with The National Ballet of Canada · · · · · · New 5000 sq.ft. facility with 3 oversized studios Wall to wall mirrors & sprung Harlequin floors Large change room & waiting area with viewing windows to all studios Highly qualified teachers Limited class sizes Competitive & recreational dance REGISTRATION Aug. 29 & Sept. 5 (10am -2pm) Aug.31, Sept. 1, 2, 3, 8, 9,10 (2pm - 8pm) Please call for more information or to register Allegro School of Dance 2210 Speers Road, Oakville 905-815-9239 · www.allegrodance.ca Grace Academy O F DA N C E & P ER F O R M I N G A R TS OPEN HOUSE ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 15th FROM 10AM-1PM Academy Director: Heidi Knapp Fellow and examiner with the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing Technical and creative excellence in a warm and friendly environment for students age 3 to adult. Classical Ballet · Modern Theatre Dance/Jazz Tap · Musical Theatre & Acting · Hip Hop REGISTRATION August 19th and 20th 5:00 - 8:00pm August 26th 10:00am - 2:00pm September 2nd, 3rd, 8th, and 9th 4:00 - 7:00pm Happy 40th Birthday Mini-Skool! · Infants to 12 years · 3 year old educational programs · JK, SK educational programs with a focus on math, reading and language skills, and French · Before & after school programs featuring "summer club" · Extra Curricular Activities - gym, computers and music · All New Nursery School Program EW Q 2488 Bromsgrove Rd., Mississauga, ON L5J 1L8 VE RO SG M O R BR SO D IN W N O LL L ST HI IN RC W UR CH For more information and to register please contact us at: (905) 823-3000 www.mini-skool.ca L YA RO 905.338.0210 785 Pacific Road, Unit 1, Oakville www.graceacademy.ca