Our CASW community has been abuzz at PS 310, where our COMPASS students have been busy with a variety of projects and activities. Early March has brought on the slew of sunshine and schemes as participants explore their unique interests – and even discover some new passions along the way! From sports to art, it’s been a pleasure to watch these kids discover themselves and the world around them as they delve deeper into the after school program.
The Power of Music: Why Our Violin Cohort is Tuning Up for Success
A very special cohort of students at PS 310 are learning to play the violin, and are already learning the basics of their instruments – soon they’ll make it to chord progressions! This is a wonderful opportunity that has the potential to change a child’s life in a variety of ways. Studies show that learning an instrument can lead to sharpened memory, enhanced brain connectivity, reduced stress, and improved fine motor skills. On an emotional level, it can improve self-esteem and provide a creative outlet for students to express themselves [1]. This can extend to overall discipline and goal setting – which can result in improved academic performance. Violins in particular are a convenient instrument to transport, and require a certain level of physical demand in order to build endurance – which makes it a perfect alternative to a phone or tablet!
More Than Just Play: The Life-Changing Benefits of Afterschool Activities at PS 310
The truth is, introducing kids to experiences like this are instrumental (pardon our pun) for social and emotional growth. Giving a child the chance to explore new horizons usually leads to new interests and improved self-confidence. When we learn something new, it’s usually proof that we’re capable of accomplishing difficult things – and that’s a belief that’s helpful to carry into all areas of life. Regardless of what a child chooses to do, we hope to instill a strong sense of self belief that will carry them through ALL stages of life, both in school and beyond!
[1] Shipman, D. (2016). A prescription for music lessons. Federal Practitioner, 33(2), 9–12. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6368928/
