School is good at a narrow set of things: reading, writing, mathematics, and the subjects that can be measured on standardized tests. That's not a criticism — it's a feature. Schools need to be accountable.
But the skills that determine whether your child thrives as an adult — creativity, communication, resilience, original thinking — aren't well-served by test prep. That's where creative activities come in.
What School Can't Teach (And Creative Activities Can)
Intrinsic motivation. In school, the motivation is almost always external — grades, teacher approval, avoiding consequences. Creative activities, when chosen well, are intrinsically motivating: the child does it because they want to get better, because they love it, because the work itself is its own reward.
Tolerance for being bad at something. School rewards performance. Creative learning requires beginning badly — every musician played badly before they played well. Children who only experience situations they're already good at never develop the capacity to start over.
Thinking without a right answer. School problems have correct solutions. Creative problems don't. Learning to generate your own answer — and evaluate whether it works — is a different cognitive muscle entirely.
Making something original. School asks children to demonstrate comprehension of existing knowledge. Creative work asks them to make something that didn't exist before. Those are categorically different tasks.
How to Choose the Right Creative Activity
Start with genuine interest, not what's impressive. A child who's mildly interested in piano and deeply interested in making YouTube videos will learn more from video production. Follow the actual curiosity, not the imagined college application.
Look for activities that teach real craft. "Arts and crafts" where everyone makes the same thing is not the same as learning to draw. Group drama class where kids perform a pre-written script is not the same as acting training. Look for instruction that teaches the underlying discipline — not just an output.
Find an instructor, not just a platform. The relationship between a child and a skilled adult they respect is one of the most powerful learning contexts that exists. An online class with 30 participants and pre-recorded videos doesn't replicate what happens when someone who really knows their craft gives your child their full attention.
One thing deeply is better than three things shallowly. Depth creates the feedback loop that builds real skill. Three activities attended once a week, each for six weeks, produces exposure. One activity attended consistently produces competence — which is what actually builds confidence.
The Best Creative Supplements by Age
Ages 6–9:
- Music (piano, guitar, ukulele, drums — follow what they're drawn to)
- Drawing and illustration
- Acting / drama
- Creative writing / storytelling
- Dance
Ages 9–13:
- Everything above, plus depth versions
- Coding and game design (Scratch → Python)
- Music production and audio engineering
- Film and video production
- Songwriting / composition
- Creative writing with workshop feedback
Ages 13–18:
- Serious study of their chosen discipline
- Connecting with professional practitioners
- Portfolio / project building
- Performance and public work (shows, exhibitions, publications)
The age ranges are loose. A motivated 8-year-old can learn music production. A 16-year-old who's never tried acting before can start. What matters more than age is where the child is in their creative journey.
What to Look for in an Instructor
This matters more than almost anything else.
Real professional experience. Not someone who "loves art" — someone who has practiced the discipline at a professional level. They've played gigs, acted in productions, shipped code, exhibited their work. That experience is what makes them able to answer "how do I get from here to there?" with specificity.
Experience with your child's age group. Working with children is a separate skill from being excellent at the craft. The best instructors can do both.
The ability to meet the child where they are. A great first session doesn't try to teach everything — it figures out what the child already knows and what they care about, then builds from there.
Specific, honest feedback. If an instructor only tells your child they're doing well, find a different instructor. Real growth happens from specific, honest assessment of what needs to work — delivered kindly, but clearly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many extracurricular activities should a child have?
Most child development experts recommend one or two activities at most for elementary-age children, with priority given to depth over breadth. An overscheduled child has no time for unstructured play, which is itself essential to development.
How do I know if a creative class is actually good?
Signs of a good class: the instructor knows your child's name and remembers what they worked on last session, your child talks about it between sessions, your child is slightly challenged (not bored, not overwhelmed), the instructor can tell you specifically what your child needs to work on.
Are online creative classes as effective as in-person?
For most disciplines, yes — especially one-on-one instruction. Online eliminates the geographic constraint, which means access to better instructors. The relationship quality matters more than the medium.
How much should creative classes cost?
Good creative instruction from a professional runs $35–$80 per hour-equivalent session. This is comparable to academic tutoring. Significantly cheaper usually means less experienced instructors; significantly more expensive usually means you're paying for a brand rather than a better teacher.
What is Wimzee?
Wimzee is an online marketplace for creative experiences for children and young adults, taught by professional instructors. Families can browse and book sessions in music, art, coding, acting, creative writing, and more — all taught by vetted creative professionals. No subscription required; book one session at a time starting at $35.
Find the right instructor for your child. Browse Wimzee →
