CONNECTOR.AE 26 CONNECTOR.AE 27 KIDS AND EDUCATION KIDS AND EDUCATION Experts agree that sports build resilience, teamwork, discipline and emotional regulation, which are critical skills in the classroomas they are on the playing field. 3. STEM In recent years, STEM-based ECAs have gained significant traction across the UAE, reflecting the region’s focus on innovation and future-ready skills. These include coding, robotics, science clubs, mathematics challenges, and engineeringbased projects. “STEM-based activities fuel curiosity, problemsolving, and logical reasoning”, Steve Arnold from Ranches Primary School explains. “But they also benefit from the imagination and creativity sparked in other pursuits”. performance-based activities like music, dance, drama, and creative writing. These activities provide children with a vital outlet for selfexpression, particularly important in the school years when children are learning to understand and articulate emotions. “Arts and crafts nurture creativity, self-expression, and fine motor skills”, says both experts. “It also encourages children to think divergently and connect ideas in new ways”, added Steve Arnold from Ranches Primary School. For parents, arts and crafts-based ECAs may be especially suitable for children who enjoy imaginative play, storytelling or working with their hands. Signs to look for include a child who loves doodling during free time, shows excitement in music lessons or frequently role-plays at home. 2. Sports From traditional team sports like football, basketball, and cricket, to individual activities such as swimming, gymnastics, or athletics, sports ECAs have long been a staple in schools. Beyond physical fitness, they teach life skills that are just as crucial in the classroom. Sports also give children confidence and a sense of belonging. Parents might notice their child has a natural inclination toward physical play, enjoys running or climbing, or shows strong energy levels that benefit fromstructured outlets. For such children, sports ECAs can provide both joy and balance. “Arts and crafts nurture creativity, self-expression, and fine motor skills.” independent, detailed work, arts or STEM might be a better fit. Key signs include whether the child willingly practices, talks positively about the activity, and gains confidence from participation. The best match is one where the child feels both challenged and fulfilled”. Here are some expert-recommended practical steps for parents: Expose children to variety: Encourage children to try different ECAs in their early years, so they can discover where their genuine interests lie. Watch for persistence: A child who keeps practising a skill, even when it is difficult, is showing signs of deep engagement. Notice energy levels: Some children thrive in group, high-energy settings, while others prefer quiet, independent activities. Identify these early on. Balance workload: ECAs should complement, not overwhelm, academic commitments. Too many activities can lead to burnout. Prioritise enjoyment: Ultimately, the right ECA is one that brings joy and allows the child to grow in confidence. For parents, the task is to watch, listen, and guide, ensuring that this school year, your child not only studies hard but also thrives in the activities that bring them joy. Stephen Quinn from Horizon International School emphasised how STEM activities help build persistence and confidence in the face of challenge and adds, “They foster critical thinking, and curiosity”. Parents who notice their child enjoying building with Lego, solving puzzles, tinkering with gadgets, or asking endless ‘why’ questions, may find STEM activities a natural fit. How Parents Can Identify The Right ECA Both experts agree that parents should resist the urge to choose activities based solely on obvious talent. Instead, they should focus on observing their child’s interest, curiosity joy, and emotional engagement with different activities. Steve Arnold from Ranches Primary School says, “Children may light up when talking about an activity, or lose track of time while doing it. Sometimes the best indicator is not instant success but a willingness to persist even when the task is difficult”. Steve Arnold from Ranches Primary School also notes, “It also helps to notice natural tendencies. Some children are drawn to movement and teamwork, others to making and experimenting, others still to storytelling or performance”. Stephen Quinn from Horizon International School adds, “If a child is energised by group settings, team sports may suit them; if they prefer “STEM-based activities fuel curiosity, problem-solving, and logical reasoning.’’
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