We can’t escape the digital world—and neither can our kids, who, let’s be honest, would gladly spend the whole day glued to a tablet if we didn’t set limits. So, for the new school year, the editorial team has put together a selection of original, screen-free extracurricular activities. Yes, it’s still possible !
Chess: less dull than it seems
In an age where it’s nearly impossible to get kids off screens, chess might just be the saving grace. Pointless, you say? On the contrary! Focus, strategy, and focus are the key elements of this ancient game. Chess dates back 1,500 years! The benefits? In a match, every move matters. Kids quickly realize that the slightest distraction can change the game. Playing chess helps them concentrate. But it’s also a real puzzle—every move requires thought and planning to anticipate the opponent’s actions, thus fostering critical thinking and logical reasoning.
Last but not least: chess builds self-confidence. Why? Because it requires making decisions (which piece to move, what strategy to adopt, etc.). Decision-making teaches independence and responsibility. Every decision, good or bad, is a chance to improve. More than just a pastime, this extracurricular activity develops valuable life skills—an essential school of life!
Numu Family Center,
76 boulevard Driss Slaoui, Casablanca.
Phone: 05 22 94 10 20 or 06 60 02 24 74
Email: [email protected].
Becoming tomorrow’s Leïla Slimani ?
Let’s stay up on current events! In France, the prestigious Goncourt Prize has just revealed its first shortlist, featuring Abdellah Taïa with his new novel Le Bastion des Larmes. Being a writer is no longer a dead-end career! To encourage your kids, the Atelier Vitalis in Casablanca offers extracurricular creative writing workshops on Wednesday afternoons for kids over 12.
For 1.5 hours, children explore a theme, genre, or author, “working on writing triggers.” But don’t think this is just a disguised French tutoring session! No, the goal here is to let creativity flow, using various prompts like photos or music. It’s not at all academic, and that’s a good thing!
Atelier Vitalis,
Rue Jabal Saghrou, cité des Jeunes, bât.2, RDC, quartier CIL, Casablanca.
Phone: 05 22 36 27 19
Email: [email protected].
Grooving to Afrobeat
Dance is a classic choice for kids, but forget the ballet dreams—urban styles like hip-hop, breakdance, and street jazz are all the rage. But there’s a new trend on the horizon: Afrobeat! Popularized in the 1970s in Nigeria by the legendary Fela Kuti, Afrobeat packs a punch! It blends traditional African rhythms, especially Yoruba beats, with Western influences like jazz and funk.
For kids, Afrobeat means lots of movement—especially with the hips! The benefits? Coordination, of course, but also creativity since there are no rigid rules or steps. The goal is to let loose—perfect for hyperactive kids!
M’ART Studio, Marrakech
Phone: 06 62 21 74 20
Email: [email protected].
Joining a real orchestra
The International School of Music and Dance (EIMD) is a stepping stone to Morocco’s Philharmonic Orchestra. Located in Casablanca and Rabat, EIMD offers both degree and non-degree programs, immersing students in the world of classical music. With teachers from the Philharmonic Orchestra, kids become part of a tight-knit musical community, almost like a family.
Sure, music theory can be a bore, but at EIMD, young musicians join the “Mini Philhar” in their second year, followed by the “P’tit Philhar” in the third year—a youth orchestra where they learn ensemble playing basics. Highly motivating! A bonus? Enrolling gives kids free access to Philharmonic Orchestra concerts!
International School of Music and Dance,
439, Route d’El Jadida, Casablanca.
Phone: 05 22 25 74 74.
73, Lot. Meddoun, Birkacem, Route des Zaërs, Souissi, Rabat.
Phone: 05 37 75 51 51.
Sensory awakening for toddlers
We often think that the visual arts require technical skills, so it’s only for older children. While that’s partly true, more and more centers are catering to little ones. The Studio des Arts Vivants, an institution in Casablanca for extracurricular activities, offers sensory awakening classes for 3- to 4-year-olds. Through drawing (pencil, charcoal, chalk), painting (gouache, acrylic, watercolor, ink), and collage, the goal is to “develop a unique artistic expression.”
What’s great about this place is that the Galerie 38 is part of the Studio des Arts Vivants and showcases professional artists throughout the year. It’s perfect for training the eye. What’s also fun is that there’s an annual exhibition (complete with an opening and professional display) at Galerie 38 to showcase the children’s work.
Studio des Arts Vivants
38, Boulevard Abdelhadi Boutaleb, ex-Route d’Azemmour, Aïn Diab, Casablanca.
Phone: 05 22 97 93 20.
Picture (c) : Milk Magazine
