WWYD - Which lessons/classes for a 4 YO

[Hillbeans]

At my 4 YO's pre-school they offer private lessons which are held once a week for 45 minutes each. One is a music class, one is an Art class and one is a Computer class.

Each class goes for about 8 weeks. The music class allows students to learn about different kinds of instruments, play some instruments, learn about music notes, etc.

The Art class is more of an advanced kind of class than what they do in the classrooms - they learn about colors, different textures, painting, clay in the Kiln, etc...

The computer class is learning about computers - abc's, 123's, mouse control, navigation...etc.

I know any of the classes would be great for a 4 yo, but which one would you choose and why?

 

[bananiem]

I would choose the one he seems most interested in. Is there one of these things he especially enjoys?
ETA- I would be tempted to go with something he already seems interested in because 8 weeks is a long time for a 4 year old. If you put him in one of the classes as a first experience and he doesn't like it, you'll hear about it every time you pick him up. He'll be convinced the class will NEVER end.

 

[Hillbeans]

I would choose the one he seems most interested in. Is there one of these things he especially enjoys?

Well he loves music, and my husband and I don't play instruments, so it'd be the class he'd have the least home exposure to and I think would probably like the best. He already uses the computer a lot and we do some artwork at home, but the all sound like good classes.

 

[Aidensmom]

I would choose the one he seems most interested in. Is there one of these things he especially enjoys?

That is what I was going to say. My son is 4, and I personally would ask him his preference. Most likely he would pick music, as he has an interest in that already.

 

[Rajah]

I agree, go with whatever your DS thinks sounds the neatest.

 

[bananiem]

Since he's exposed to art and computer at home but has shown interest in music, that's what I'd pick.

 

[Beth76]

My son is four and I would let him choose. Since you and your husband aren't musical that might be a great chance for him "pick up" on something that he doesn't get a lot at home.

 

[Bob Slydell]

I was going to say music anyways, just because it's the one that he's less likely to be exposed to either in school or at home. DS(5) gets a lot of computer time and art projects in school, plus he loves doing both of those at home as well. Music, on the other hand, he doesn't have much exposure to.

 

[PlaneJoy1]

I'm a little biased, given that I started playing the piano at 5 and continued in music much of life.

I would choose music. I have always felt that knowing how to read music, count rhythms, know theory, etc. has helped me. Studies have shown a link between music and math skills. The same part of the brain that hears music, is the same part that does math.

Like I said.... I'm biased!

 

[meandtheguys2]

There aren't any proven benefits to early computer use, but there is a ton of info for early music. Art is active also.

There are concerns about eye strain for children using the computer, and the abc's etc are going to be covered and re-covered.

My opinion, only, of course!

 

[Hillbeans]

Thanks for the advice everyone...I think we're going to try a music class. I asked my son and of course he said "Computer class" however I think he's thinking he'll get to play Nick.com games and that's not what the class would be obviously.

I asked him if he'd like to learn about different kinds of instruments and he said yes and seemed interested in it - and what seems so nice about this music class is that he'll be learning something that can stay with him for life, if he chooses to play an instrument. I also heard the statistics about how math and music skills seem to go hand in hand, which makes a lot of sense.

These are all just 45 minute classes for 8 weeks, but they all seem to have a nice added benefit. Thanks for the advice everyone!

 

[Jenn Lynn]

Good choice! I would have chosen music for my 4 year old also. I hope he enjoys it!

 

[Sparx]

I would go with art or pc. But I am a big art fan, and I love my pc. so I am kinda bias.

 

[JennaTX]

I agree with the other posters, I think music is a great idea. Computers would have been my last choice. The only reason that I might have picked Art over Music is that for me personally, my DD has been having problems with her writing and penmanship so I Art would have given her the fine motor skills needed for writing.