Movement and creative arts play a crucial role in the development of children. Through these expressive activities, children gain more than just artistic or physical skills, they develop essential life skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.

Building Confidence Through Movement

One of the most significant benefits of engaging in movement and creative arts is the boost in confidence it provides to children. When a child participates in a group dance, takes part in a creative activity, or plays an instrument in front of an audience, they are practicing the art of overcoming fear and anxiety. This process teaches them to trust in their abilities and take pride in their accomplishments.

Did you know that our programs are designed to create a supportive environment where children feel safe to express themselves? Whether it’s trying a new dance routine, expressing themselves through creative movement, or participating in a collaborative art project, we encourage every child to take risks and embrace new challenges. As they continue to participate, their self-esteem grows, which in turn, positively impacts other areas of their lives, such as academic performance and social interactions.

Enhancing Communication Skills

Dance, movement and performance arts also serve as an excellent platform for children to develop their communication skills. Drama, for instance, requires children to memorize lines, understand their characters, and convey emotions through speech and body language. Music and dance, while often non-verbal, still demand a deep understanding of rhythm, timing, and expression, all of which are forms of communication.

In our programs, we focus on these aspects by providing opportunities for children to engage in activities that require both verbal and non-verbal communication. Our drama workshops, for example, teach children how to project their voice, articulate their thoughts clearly, and understand the importance of timing in delivering a line. Meanwhile, our dance and art activities emphasize body language and movement as a form of storytelling, helping children learn how to communicate with others without words.

Fostering Creativity and Imagination

Creativity is another critical skill that children develop through performance and movement. When children are given the freedom to create, whether through writing a script, choreographing a dance, or composing a piece of music, they learn to think outside the box and explore new ideas. This creativity not only enriches their artistic abilities but also enhances their problem-solving skills and adaptability in everyday situations.

The programs encourage children to take ownership of their creative projects, whether it’s designing costumes for a play or coming up with a new dance routine. By doing so, we help children understand the value of originality and innovation, skills that are increasingly important in today’s rapidly changing world.

Developing Social and Emotional Skills

Arts in general also play a significant role in developing social and emotional skills in children. Working on a group performance, for example, teaches children the importance of teamwork, collaboration, and empathy. They learn to respect others’ ideas, share responsibilities, and support their peers. Additionally, performing in front of an audience helps children understand and manage their emotions, whether it’s the excitement of being on stage or the nerves that come with it.

Kids in the Game Commitment 

We believe that movement, dance and performance art is not just about entertainment; it’s a vital tool for holistic development. Our programs are designed to integrate art and corporal expressions with other areas of learning, creating a balanced approach that nurtures the whole child. 

Our enrichment classes are tailored to meet the needs of children at different developmental stages, ensuring that each child can participate and benefit at their own level. We also provide opportunities for children to showcase their talents through exhibitions, giving them a sense of accomplishment and a platform to shine. 

Are you a parent or a school interested in enrolling your children in a program that supports their holistic development? Visit Kids in the Game to learn more about how our programs can help your child reach their full potential.

After-school programs have become an essential part of the educational experience for many students, offering more than just a place to stay until their parents/guardians finish getting through their day. These programs provide structured environments where children can continue to learn, grow, and thrive outside of the traditional classroom setting. At Kids in the Game, our after-school programs are designed not only to keep kids engaged but also to reinforce academic concepts, provide homework assistance, and instill a lifelong love for learning. Here’s how after-school programs can support academic success, with a closer look at what KING offers.

Reinforcing Classroom Learning

One of the key ways after-school programs support academic success is by reinforcing what students learn during the school day. After-school activities allow children to apply and expand on what they’ve learned in a more relaxed and interactive environment. For instance, KING’s comprehensive after-school programs incorporate activities like STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) projects, where students can dive deeper into subjects like science and technology through hands-on experiments and creative exploration. By providing a space where children can engage with educational content in different formats, after-school programs help solidify their understanding and retention of classroom material.

Homework Assistance

Homework can be a source of stress for both students and their families, but after-school programs can ease this burden by offering dedicated time and support for completing assignments. The availability of homework assistance allows students to tackle challenging subjects with confidence, knowing they have the support they need to succeed. Moreover, by completing homework in a structured environment, students can enjoy more quality time with their families at home after the school day has ended.

Fostering a Love for Learning

After-school programs are uniquely positioned to foster a love for learning by making education fun and engaging. Through a variety of enrichment activities, children can explore new interests and develop skills that may not be covered during the regular school day. Kids in the Game’s enrichment classes range from Warrior Fitness and Coding to Hip Hop and Ultimate Sports, allowing students to discover and pursue their passions in a supportive environment. These activities not only broaden students’ horizons but also encourage them to see learning as an enjoyable and lifelong process. When children associate learning with fun, they are more likely to stay motivated and curious, which can lead to greater academic success in the long run.

Building Essential Life Skills

Beyond academic support, after-school programs play a crucial role in developing essential life skills that contribute to overall academic success. The programs emphasize mentorship and the teaching of valuable life lessons, such as teamwork, leadership, and time management. Through participation in group activities and sports, students learn how to work collaboratively, communicate effectively, and manage their time efficiently—skills that are directly transferable to their academic pursuits. By cultivating these abilities in a structured and nurturing environment, after-school programs prepare students to face academic challenges with confidence and resilience.

Creating a Supportive Learning Environment

A positive and supportive learning environment is key to academic success, and this is a hallmark of our after-school programs. Our programs are designed to be inclusive and adaptable, catering to the diverse needs and interests of all students. Whether through all-encompassing full programs or specialized enrichment classes, we ensure that each child has the opportunity to thrive. By creating an atmosphere where students feel valued and supported, after-school programs help build self-confidence and encourage a growth mindset, both of which are critical for academic achievement.

At Kids in the Game, we are committed to helping students reach their full potential! Are you a school interested in outsourcing your after-school programming? Visit Kids in the Game After-School Programs and get in touch with us to learn more about how we can support your students’ academic success!

Our KING Hoops basketball program had the opportunity to participate in the UBS NextGen Leaders program through our good friends over at Laureus USA. The NextGen Leaders program aims to increase college and career success for first-generation students and advance intergenerational economic mobility through bachelor’s degree attainment.

Our kids were put through the Hire Power curriculum that guided them through the power of storytelling, particularly in the interview process. By using this curriculum, our kids with the UBS volunteers practiced their communication skills and developed a strong portfolio of stories appropriate for a workplace setting. The players then got the chance to practice their storytelling in both a group setting and in mock interviews.

KING Hoops and all our Kids in the Game programs value inclusivity and diversity amongst our kids. By nature of growing up in New York City, all our kids have unique stories to tell, and as they are beginning their college and first job application processes, this event was the perfect exercise to refine their communication skills without losing their unique story.

Big thank you to Laureus for allowing our guys to participate in the great event put on by UBS. These are the types of events that help our basketball program stand out from the others in the NYC scene.