Parenting during after-school hours and weekends can be a challenge. Kids want to be entertained. And parents want them to turn to things beyond YouTube videos and play Xbox. Constantly on the lookout for something fun and educational, the word “extracurricular” can induce anxiety in already spread-too-thin parents. Enter Outschool, an online marketplace of classes — more than 8,000 live classes alone — for kids ages three -18. Equally as exciting, Outschool provides clubs that engage kids in a safe, online, social environment.
Outschool Club Offerings
Joining a club gives kids the opportunity to expand their education beyond traditional classes. Outschool just allows them to do it from home. These clubs encourage kids to be creative, collaborate and, most importantly, have fun. They aren’t just about sitting in front of a computer passively. Instead, they’re energetic online clubs run by teachers. Through Outschool clubs, kids participate with groups of other like-minded kids and have the opportunity to collaborate and learn from each other.
Amir Nathoo, CEO and co-founder of Outschool, tells Parentology, “Outschool teachers are offering weekly clubs as a safe and fun way to connect learners over shared passions, meeting in small-groups over live video chat. With a variety of unique clubs ranging from Fortnite Club to French Conversations, learners are inspired to collaborate outside of the classroom, after school and on the weekend.”
The Benefits of Participating in Online Clubs
Traditionally, online clubs were designed for homeschooled students to be able to take part in a more social environment. However, Outschool isn’t just for homeschooled children looking to interact with other kids. Children who attend traditional schools can benefit from these online clubs, as well. Joanne Miller, kindergarten teacher and mother of three tells Parentology that, “Online clubs offer opportunities to all children to grow and flourish. What’s not to love about engaging their minds in a group setting from the safety of your own home?”
Clubs don’t just keep restless kids busy or entertained, they also offer great developmental, academic and social benefits. When kids join a club, they discover they share things in common with others outside their existing social group, encouraging a sense of independence. They also learn to support and share their own ideas.
Outschool clubs boost academic learning and give kids enthusiasm for subjects in new ways. Joining a reading club on a topic they’re interested in like, the Zombie Apocalypse, can boost interest and understanding of reading and academic growth.
One the best aspects of Outschool clubs — they’re safe. Being home alone is boring and having an activity to share to with like-minded peers online is an excellent, and educational, distraction.
Outschool Clubs — Sources
Outschool
Amir Nathoo, CEO and co-founder of Outschool
Joanne Miller