Offering extracurricular activities in a nursery setting is a great way to foster holistic child development by providing opportunities for social interaction, skill building, and exploration beyond the classroom. These activities also help young children discover their interests and talents, setting a foundation for a lifelong love of learning.

Our Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries and Preschools offer a wide range of extra curricular activities for the children in our care. As every nursery is different, they work with other local businesses and people in the community to offer an amazing array of additional learning, from music sessions and sports and games to learning languages and doing arts and crafts. 

Extracurricular activites in nurseries have a huge number of benefits for early years children:

  • Extracurricular activities in a nursery can help establish and reinforce a child’s routine by providing structured time slots for various activities, promoting consistency and predictability in their daily schedule.
  • Extracurricular activities promote holistic development by enhancing a child’s growth, including cognitive, physical, social, and emotional domains. They provide a well-rounded learning experience beyond academics, encouraging creativity, critical thinking, and social skills.
  • Extracurricular activities in a nursery can facilitate enhanced learning by engaging children in hands-on, experiences that reinforce academic concepts ina practical way. These activities often make learning more enjoyable and memorable.
  • Participating in extracurricular activities at a nursery can significantly enhance a child’s social skills by providing opportunities for interaction with peers in diverse settings. These activities encouragec ommunication, cooperation, and teamwork, helping children develop the essential inter personalskills needed for positive social interactions and relationships.
arts and crafts activities
cookery classes at monkey puzzle nurseries
outdoor exercise activities

Extracurricular activities at Monkey Puzzle nurseries and preschools

Music lessons

Music is a great activity to have in a nursery because it enhances cognitive development in young children, promoting skills like memory retention, and mathematical concepts through rhythm and melody. Additionally, music encourages emotional expression and social interaction.

Exercise lessons

Exercise is great in a nursery setting because it supports the physical development of young children, helping them build strong muscles, develop coordination, and keep a healthy weight. Regular physical activity in nursery promotes good habits early on, setting the foundation for a lifetime of healthy living.

Dance lessons

Dance encourages physical activity, helping children develop motor skills, coordination, and balance in a fun and expressive way. It fosters creativity and self-expression, allowing young children to explore their emotions and build confidence through movement and rhythm.

Language lessons

Language lessons provide young children with a strong foundation in communication skills, aiding in the development of vocabulary, grammar, and early literacy. These lessons not only prepare children for future academic success but also promote effective verbal expression and social interaction, fostering confidence in their ability to convey thoughts and ideas.

Arts and crafts

Implementing arts and crafts fosters creativity and fine motor skill development in young children, encouraging them to explore their imaginations through hands-on activities. Additionally, it promotes emotional expression as children engage in collaborative art projects, enhancing their overall cognitive and emotional development.

Cookery

Introducing cooking activities into your setting not only teaches children essential life skills but also promotes math and science concepts through measuring and mixing ingredients. It also encourages healthy eating habits from an early age and provides an enjoyable and engaging way for children to explore diverse flavors and cultures.

Singing

Singing lessons enhances children’s language development by exposing them to rhythm, melody, and vocabulary in an engaging and memorable way.

Gymnastics

Introducing gymnastics in a nursery setting helps children develop fundamental motor skills, balance, and coordination while promoting physical fitness from a young age. It also encourages discipline and selfconfidence as children set and achieve small goals in a supportive and structured environment.

Science lessons

Incorporating science activities into a nursery curriculum sparks young children’s natural curiosity and fosters a love for exploration and discovery. It helps them develop critical thinking skills, promotes an early understanding of the world around them, and sets the stage for a lifelong interest in STEM fields.

Drama lessons

Drama classes in a nursery setting encourages children to explore their creativity, build self-confidence, and enhance their communication skills through imaginative play and storytelling.