Tom Patterson is a band director in the Round Rock district near Austin,
Texas. At times, the parents of his Round Rock band students ask Patterson for
advice regarding after school activities. Tom Patterson understands that many
parents work long hours and are not able to pick their children up immediately
after school. But band director Tom Patterson also knows that parents want
their children to engage in after school activities that will enhance their
learning and keep the children out of harm’s way.
The secret to fulfilling after school activities, advises band director Tom Patterson, is parental involvement. Even if parents cannot always be present for the activity itself, Tom Patterson suggests that parents be part of the planning and organization of their children’s extracurricular events. For example, said the Round Rock band director, what good is a youth sporting event without parents in the stands, cheering on their kids?
According to Tom Patterson, after school events need to be for the sake of personal enrichment and not just glorified childcare. Band director Tom Patterson understands the need for hard working parents to enroll their kids in safe/productive programs that will keep the children busy while the parents are at work. However, Tom Patterson urges parents to look deeper when searching for after school activities.
After school activities, says the Round Rock band director, offer the chance for students to enrich their intellectual and social development. Tom Patterson has recommended various music oriented after school groups all the way from jazz band to marching band. If your child prefers to work alone, Tom Patterson suggests private instrumental or piano lessons as a relaxing and fulfilling extracurricular activity. After school music study, adds band director Tom Patterson, is an excellent way to fortify the personal and intellectual growth of your child.
By the same token, concludes the Round Rock band director, avoid overdoing after school activities. Tom Patterson points out that students require down time, rest, and reflection as much as they need social and mental stimulation. Tom Patterson, informed in part by his experience as band director in the Round Rock district, reminds parents that after school activities are for the benefit of the child, not the parent. He encourages parents to let children explore their own personal interests and strengths through guided after school activities.
The secret to fulfilling after school activities, advises band director Tom Patterson, is parental involvement. Even if parents cannot always be present for the activity itself, Tom Patterson suggests that parents be part of the planning and organization of their children’s extracurricular events. For example, said the Round Rock band director, what good is a youth sporting event without parents in the stands, cheering on their kids?
According to Tom Patterson, after school events need to be for the sake of personal enrichment and not just glorified childcare. Band director Tom Patterson understands the need for hard working parents to enroll their kids in safe/productive programs that will keep the children busy while the parents are at work. However, Tom Patterson urges parents to look deeper when searching for after school activities.
After school activities, says the Round Rock band director, offer the chance for students to enrich their intellectual and social development. Tom Patterson has recommended various music oriented after school groups all the way from jazz band to marching band. If your child prefers to work alone, Tom Patterson suggests private instrumental or piano lessons as a relaxing and fulfilling extracurricular activity. After school music study, adds band director Tom Patterson, is an excellent way to fortify the personal and intellectual growth of your child.
By the same token, concludes the Round Rock band director, avoid overdoing after school activities. Tom Patterson points out that students require down time, rest, and reflection as much as they need social and mental stimulation. Tom Patterson, informed in part by his experience as band director in the Round Rock district, reminds parents that after school activities are for the benefit of the child, not the parent. He encourages parents to let children explore their own personal interests and strengths through guided after school activities.