The arts, science, school libraries even physical education are in short supply in our schools.
Result
Children are missing out on experiencing these valuable classes during the school day. While some schools have formed foundations to raise money to supplement this educational deficit, others only offer these extracurricular courses after school for a fee, or not at all.
73,000 years ago the first form of art was found in South Africa. It was an abalone shell with diamond design engravings. Since the dawn of time humans have expressed themselves in artistically, Children need art!
Fact
STEM (Science, Technology, and Math) jobs go unfilled. So what are kids learning in school? Are we preparing them for future jobs? Is the next Leonardo Da Vinci being challenged by today's curriculum? According the the Smithsonian Science & Education Center, "78% of high school graduates don't meet benchmark readiness for one or more college courses in mathematics, science, reading, or English."
Parents need to arm their children with skills for future vocations.
If you are a regular visitor to this site, you are aware of free or low cost educational activities for children. I take my child to these workshops every week. Recently, we went to a Brain Workshop taught by a UCSD professor. Children studied real animal brains, and made a model of the human brain. Hands on learning engages children of all abilities, and encourages learning, and exploration. You can fill in the gaps in your child's education by checking out any of the programs listed below. I highly recommend them!
Resources
Several San Diego Libraries offer free on site tutoring. Can't make it to the library? Click the link above to enroll a free online tutor for your child. They can assist with math homework, term papers and more! All you need is a library card.
Free STEM Workshops @ San Diego Public Libraries Click Here for Locations!
Free Kid's Computer Classes @ The Apple Store
Is your kid addicted to screens? Help foster a healthy relationship with tech by enrolling your child in a free class @ Apple. My child has learned how to compose music, make short films, coding, and 3D art in some of these fun courses offered in-store. Registration required, and parents are required to stay in the store during the class.
Free & Low Cost Classes for Kids @ California Center for The Arts Escondido
Free art classes for children and families the second Saturday of every month, and Martial Arts for a one time $35 enrollment fee includes uniform! Discover The California Center for the Arts we love this place! It's also next to Grape Day Park, and near The San Diego Children's Discovery Museum. A great place to hang out and spend the day!
Free Book Club With Free Books For Kids Traveling Stories StoryTent Click For Schedule
Traveling Stories created the StoryTent: a mobile literacy program that would provide one-on-one reading support and motivational incentives to kids. For every book read, kids earn a Book Buck, which can be redeemed for prizes. This keeps the kids excited and motivated to learn, as well as teaches them money management skills.
Looking for affordable classes for your kids? Recreation centers offer lessons in dance, sports, art, theater and more for as little as $20 dollars a month. I enrolled my child in two great Pee Wee Sports classes, and an Italian class years ago at San Diego Recreation Centers.
Get Organized & Motivated
Enroll your kids in some of these free classes and events. Put them on a digital calendar with reminders. Share these events on Facebook spread the word. I can't tell you how many of these workshops are sparsely attended despite having impressive instructors and challenging curriculum.
Stay Informed Join Central San Diego Macaroni Kid It's Free!
