From Extracurricular to Extraordinary

My children often ask to take painting classes, dance lessons, gymnastics, soccer, etc. It often depends on something they have heard their friends doing or something they saw on television.

Last weekend, my children went with me to the Little Miss Cobb pageant. We watched a portion of the beauty competition and then watched the two talent competition groups. We were all in awe over the young talent. Some amazing singers, incredible dancers and talented musicians graced the stage.

My daughter asked if she could be in the pageant next time and dance. I didn’t want to discourage her, but she hasn’t had dance lessons. So I told her she would have to practice really hard and if she was ready she could do it.

At a PTA meeting the other day at her school, several different groups of students sang on stage.  She walked up to the ESOL teacher after her group of students performed and asked her if she could go on stage and sing with them.  The teacher asked her if she knew the words and she said no, but she wanted to sing with them anyway.

Actively trying to find a way to sing that night,  my daughter asked the music teacher if she would find a few more students to go on stage with her to sing her favorite song “My Mother Has a Special Name” – sung to the tune  of the Oscar Meyer Bologna theme song. She couldn’t find anyone else who knew the song. She reluctantly walked away disappointed.

My son, however, has no desire at the moment to be on any stage in front of anyone, just as I didn’t at his age. He expresses interest in Cub Scouts, Lego club, Chess Club, soccer and other similar activities.

Every child has different interests and desires. Parents and children have an interesting puzzle to figure out.  Which activities are highest on the priority list? Which activities fit into the school and homework schedule. Which activities fit within the family budget?

If you are looking for ideas, a few local places to find extracurricular activities include: YMCA, your child’s school, , , , ,  Mountain View Aquatic Center.

As evidenced in the Little Miss Cobb talent competition, local football students being drafted and the various athletic scholarships available, your child could go from extracurricular to extraordinary.

Has your child excelled in an extracurricular activity?  Tell us about it in the comments section below.