`Try Something New` Challenge: Fun Ways to Expand Your Child`s Horizons in 2025

Kick Off the New Year with Curiosity, Creativity, and Growth.

The new year is the perfect time to encourage your child to step out of their comfort zone and try something new. Whether it’s exploring a new hobby, mastering a skill, or tackling a subject they’ve never tried before, broadening their horizons helps build confidence, creativity, and a lifelong love for learning.

At PopSmartKids Academy, we believe that every new experience is an opportunity for growth. That’s why we’re excited to introduce The ‘Try Something New’ Challenge—a month-long guide to inspire your child to embrace curiosity and explore new possibilities.

Here’s how it works and some ideas to get started!

Why Try Something New?

Encouraging your child to try new activities has countless benefits:

• Builds Confidence: Overcoming the initial hesitation of trying something unfamiliar fosters a sense of accomplishment.
  
  
• Encourages Creativity: Exploring new hobbies or skills can spark innovative thinking and problem-solving.
  
  
• Promotes Adaptability: Learning to embrace new challenges prepares kids for a world that’s constantly changing.
  
  
• Nurtures Lifelong Learning: Trying new things shows children that learning doesn’t stop outside of school—it’s a lifelong adventure.

How to Participate in The ‘Try Something New’ Challenge

Each week of January, focus on a different theme to help your child explore a new area. Here are some fun and engaging ideas:

Week 1: Creative Expression

Challenge your child to tap into their imagination:

• Write a short story or poem inspired by the new year.
  
  
• Try a new art form like watercolor painting, clay modeling, or digital drawing.
  
  
• Explore music by learning a few notes on an instrument or writing lyrics for a song.

Here are some story ideas to help your little creator started:

• Write a short story about a magical snowflake.
  
  
• Create a watercolor painting inspired by winter.
  
  
• Make a comic strip featuring an imaginary character.
  
  
• Write a poem about your favorite holiday memory.
  
  
• Learn to fold origami animals.
  
  
• Try making music using free apps or simple instruments.
  
  
• Design your dream home or bedroom with crayons or online tools.

Week 2: Science and Discovery

Encourage curiosity through exploration:

• Conduct a simple science experiment, like building a mini volcano or making slime.
  
  
• Explore the night sky with a stargazing app or telescope.
  
  
• Visit a local science museum or watch a documentary on a fascinating topic.

For your curious scientist at home, here are some ideas to explore:

• Build a mini volcano using baking soda and vinegar.
  
  
• Go stargazing and try identifying constellations.
  
  
• Research an animal you've never heard of before.
  
  
• Make slime and learn about polymers.
  
  
• Watch a kid-friendly science documentary.
  
  
• Test what happens when you add salt to ice (melting speed).
  
  
• Grow a bean sprout in a jar and observe the process.

Week 3: Public Speaking and Communication

Build confidence in communication:

• Host a mini debate or persuasive speech contest at home.
  
  
• Practice storytelling by sharing a favorite memory or creating a fictional tale.
  
  
• Record a fun video blog (vlog) about their favorite activity or interest.

Here are a few suggestions to help your young speaker at home to practice their skills:

• Write and perform a short speech about your favorite hobby.
  
  
• Host a pretend debate with family members.
  
  
• Create a puppet show and perform it for friends or family.
  
  
• Record a vlog about something exciting you did this month.
  
  
• Read a story aloud using different character voices.
  
  
• Tell a funny story or joke to someone and make them laugh.
  
  
• Practice introducing yourself to someone new (even a family member!).

Week 4: Physical Activity

Inspire movement and physical growth:

• Try a new sport like tennis, martial arts, or yoga.
  
  
• Go on a nature hike and learn about local flora and fauna.
  
  
• Create a family dance challenge or obstacle course at home.

Here are a few additional ideas to inspire movement:

• Learn a new yoga pose or stretching routine.
  
  
• Go on a family nature walk and identify three plants.
  
  
• Try a new sport or physical game at home.
  
  
• Create a mini obstacle course in your living room or backyard.
  
  
• Have a family dance-off to your favorite songs.
  
  
• Learn a fun jump rope trick.
  
  
• Practice balancing on one foot and see how long you can last!

Tips for a Successful Challenge

• Celebrate Progress: Acknowledge your child’s efforts and encourage them to reflect on what they learned.
  
  
• Join the Fun: Participate in the challenges alongside your child to make it a family experience.
  
  
• Keep It Light: The goal is exploration and enjoyment, not perfection or mastery.

Beyond the Challenge
The ‘Try Something New’ Challenge is just the beginning. Encourage your child to continue exploring new interests throughout the year. PopSmartKids Academy offers a variety of programs that nurture creativity, critical thinking, and communication skills—perfect for kids eager to grow and learn.

Ready to join the challenge? Share your child’s experiences with us in the comments or tag us on social media. Let’s make 2025 a year of discovery and growth!

Inspiring kids to stay curious, learn, and communicate effectively is a core part of my mission, which is why our winter camps are packed with engaging activities designed to spark creativity and curiosity. These camps aim to nurture the next generation of thinkers and explorers. Interested in learning more about what we offer? Learn more here.