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Activities from 3-4 years old
Musical awakening. Does he love his maracas and keep tapping the keys of his xylophone? He will therefore “have fun” in the musical garden. Still too young to practice an instrument (not before 5-6 years), he can already become familiar with sounds and rhythms. He will discover the different instruments that will be presented to him and will initiate himself, thanks to group games, to a first musical approach. Find out more from municipal conservatories and cultural associations.
Baby pottery. Modeling the earth, patrolling, digging a shape, having “your hands full”. Pottery is always very successful: it is close to plasticine, which they already practice in kindergarten, only better. Contact the cultural centers for children. Also think of the Youth Centers, whose activities are sometimes also aimed at the little ones.
Activities from 4-5 years old
Artistic workshops. You will find many drawing, painting and collage courses for children, municipal or private. If he likes to paint or “doodle”, he will certainly enjoy it. As with all manual activities, favor structures with a small staff, in which your child will be better supervised.
Discover English. Learning English from an early age is possible. Associations (eg Mini-schools, contact www.mini-school.com) offer fun workshops to familiarize yourself with this language. It is above all about developing an ear and pronunciation that facilitate learning. In the form of games, nursery rhymes, songs? Cooking workshops, or taste workshops.
Eating well in order to grow well can be learned from an early age. These workshops are a great opportunity to discover flavors, while having fun and feasting. Of course, do not hesitate to play extra time at home with gourmet afternoons around the stove. In Toulouse: Culture and gastronomy, 05 61 47 10 20 – www.coursdecuisine.net. In Paris: 01 40 29 46 04 –
Museum “discovery” workshops. Many museums offer workshops on Wednesdays or as an internship during school holidays. Painting, engraving, storytelling, fun course around a theme? There is something for every taste.
Theater. If your child is a little shy, drama can help them come out. He will discover the pleasure of playing on stage and speaking, through playful methods adapted to his age. Find course addresses classified by region on www.theatre-enfants.com.
“Children’s” activities: our practical advice
Do not overload the boat. Up to 5 years, only one weekly activity, that seems reasonable. You have to save time to play, to dream, and even all shrinks say so to get bored. Pay attention to the quality of the supervision. It varies from one workshop to another. No problem, however, in municipal conservatories, where rigor and seriousness are guaranteed.
Don’t stray too far. If possible, choose the activities available in your area, especially if you have several children. Otherwise, your hobby on Wednesday will be taxi driver.
Come back to the charge. If the numbers are full for the activity you have chosen, do not be discouraged: many little ones drop out during the year, and a place will certainly become available a little later.
Activities for my child: your questions
My daughter (5 years old) does not seem motivated for a cultural activity.
Don’t worry, she has plenty of time to make up her mind! Some children prefer to play at home, take a roller-skating ride or go for a ride with mom. And that’s their right. Above all, do not force it. Over time, her tastes will refine and she will certainly be able to tell you what she likes. Sometimes it’s also a boyfriend-girlfriend affair: if her best friend is tempted by pottery, it might make her want to give it a try.