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Extra-curricular activities

Find advice on the best extra curricular activities in secondary schools and primary schools here.

Original poster

How many hobbies/activities do your DC do? Where do you draw the line?

53 replies

reddaisy · 14/02/2015 21:18

DD, 6, does ballet, Rainbows, French club (at school during lunch) and swimming.

She has now asked to do football and learn the piano!

I want her to have interests and she has stuck at all of the ones she already does and is doing well, she never asks not to go so I have no problems there.

The football she could do for no extra cost (she currently goes to a CM that evening and could do the activity instead for the same price) but I just read a thread which said how expensive piano lessons can be which shocked me!

The hobbies don't take over our life, yet, but I just wondered what others do and how do you decide what to let them try? I said to DD that if she wanted to try piano she might have to drop one of her other hobbies (apart from swimming which is a must) and she got upset because she loves them all apparently!

OP posts:
MomOfTwoGirls2 · 15/02/2015 00:30

Several studies show that learning music is great for the brain. For me, that is reason enough to do music lessons. (I love music and play an instrument, so my DDs were always going to have music lessons...)

In your shoes, I'd find a good piano teacher. Give it two years, and if DD still enjoying it then keep it up.

I'd draw line at point where homework suffers. So no more than 1 hobby most days, and at least one or two days free of hobbies.

Original poster
reddaisy · 14/02/2015 22:18

Hi Ferguson, thanks for the reply. I am not musical at all (I am assuming childhood grade 2 flute doesn't count)

Funnily enough I always wanted to learn the piano when I was younger and DH bought me a full size keyboard to learn on so we have that. Needless to say, I haven't had lessons myself yet.

She doesn't do recorder yet, I'm not sure what age they start that in school. Should they do an hour a week of piano when they start? I was expecting half an hour. That would be quite a financial commitment if she enjoys it and wants to continue.

OP posts:
Ferguson · 14/02/2015 22:13

Do you have a piano, and are you musical yourself?

It is quite possible for a competent amateur pianist to teach a beginner, particularly as there are so many tutor books and schemes available. Many tutor books come with a CD illustrating the music, and there are probably also DVDs illustrating all aspects of sitting, hands, technique etc.

Piano lessons will probably cost 15 to 40 pounds an hour.

Does she do other music at school, such as recorder?

If you reply to my first questions I will try to offer more precise advice.

Or Search my name on MN plus piano, keyboard, music etc and you should find my other replies on this topic.