As preteens in Singapore prepare for secondary school, this is a great time to explore new hobbies. Whether it’s sports, creative arts, entrepreneurship, or public speaking, these hobbies can play a crucial role in personal development and success in school. Indigo students highly recommend these free YouTube channels as a great way to pick up new hobbies from scratch.
- Let’s dive into some of the best channels where preteens can start learning new skills today.
Why Hobbies Matter Before Secondary School
Hobbies don’t just fill up free time—they help develop critical thinking, creativity, and discipline, which are essential skills as preteens transition to secondary school. Whether your preteen is picking up a sport, learning entrepreneurship, or diving into robotics, engaging in hobbies early can help them succeed academically and personally.
Indigo students often find that starting a hobby before secondary school helps boost confidence and prepare for new challenges.
- 1. Learning a New Sport
Sports help preteens improve fitness, develop teamwork skills, and gain confidence. Whether they’re exploring team sports or individual activities, these channels are a great starting point.
Free Channels to Start With:
- ActiveSG (YouTube): Singapore’s sports initiatives provide tutorials and tips for swimming, badminton, and more.
- Just Dance (YouTube): A fun way for preteens to stay active through dance routines.
- Red Bull Sport (YouTube): Watch action-packed sports videos and get inspiration from athletes around the world.
Indigo students love staying active through Just Dance, a fun and interactive way to keep fit and learn dance moves at home.
- 2. Exploring Visual Arts
Developing artistic skills can be incredibly rewarding for preteens, and many secondary schools in Singapore offer visual arts as part of the curriculum. Whether drawing, painting, or creating digital art, these channels offer valuable lessons.
Free Channels to Start With:
- Art for Kids Hub (YouTube): Simple, step-by-step tutorials for preteens who want to learn how to draw.
- Draw with Jazza (YouTube): Explore digital and traditional art techniques with approachable tutorials.
- The Art Assignment (YouTube): Focuses on creative contemporary art challenges to inspire young artists.art for
Indigo students recommend Art for Kids Hub for those just starting out, as it makes drawing fun and accessible for everyone.
- 3. Learning to Code
Coding is becoming an essential skill, and learning it before secondary school can give preteens an edge in IT-related subjects. With these channels, learning programming languages like Scratch and Python has never been easier.
Free Channels to Start With:
- Code.org (YouTube): Offers fun, engaging lessons in coding for beginners.
- FreeCodeCamp.org (YouTube): Comprehensive tutorials on various programming languages, including HTML and JavaScript.
- The Coding Train (YouTube): Playful coding challenges that teach the fundamentals of programming.
Code.org is highly recommended by Indigo students for making coding approachable for preteens.
- 4. Exploring Robotics and Engineering
For preteens interested in science and engineering, these channels offer fun, educational content that makes learning about robotics and building projects exciting.
Free Channels to Start With:
- Mark Rober (YouTube): Fun, creative projects that show how science and engineering work in real life.
- Tinkernut (YouTube): DIY projects that introduce electronics, robotics, and coding in an engaging way.
- STEMpedia (YouTube): Hands-on robotics and STEM tutorials that are perfect for young learners.
Indigo students enjoy Mark Rober’s innovative and relatable approach to engineering and problem-solving.
- 5. Public Speaking
Public speaking is a crucial skill for building confidence and communication, especially in secondary school presentations and debate teams. These channels offer techniques and tips to master public speaking from a young age.
Free Channels to Start With:
- TED-Ed (YouTube): Engaging storytelling and presentation skills through educational videos.
- MasterTalk (YouTube): Clear, concise tips for improving public speaking and stage presence.
- English Speeches (YouTube): Watch inspiring speeches to improve vocabulary and presentation style.
Indigo students recommend MasterTalk for its straightforward and practical advice on becoming a confident speaker.
- 6. Trying Photography
Photography is a rewarding hobby that encourages preteens to observe the world creatively. All it takes is a simple camera or smartphone to get started.
Free Channels to Start With:
- Mango Street (YouTube): Beginner-friendly tips for taking creative and well-composed photos.
- Peter McKinnon (YouTube): Inspiring photography tutorials and advanced techniques.
- COOPH (YouTube): DIY photography hacks and creative photo ideas.
Indigo students often mention Mango Street as their go-to channel for learning the basics of photography.
- 7. Exploring Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship helps preteens develop essential skills like leadership, problem-solving, and creativity. These channels teach the basics of starting a business, managing finances, and developing entrepreneurial ideas.
Free Channels to Start With:
- Young Entrepreneurs Forum (YouTube): Offers advice on starting small businesses and entrepreneurship for beginners.
- TED Talks (YouTube): Inspiring talks about innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership.
- The Rich Dad Channel (YouTube): Financial literacy tips and business insights, inspired by the famous “Rich Dad Poor Dad” series.
Indigo students who are curious about starting small businesses or earning money love Young Entrepreneurs Forum for its practical advice.
- 8. Learning Magic Tricks
Magic tricks are a fun and engaging hobby that helps preteens develop hand-eye coordination, presentation skills, and creativity.
Free Channels to Start With:
- 52Kards (YouTube): Card tricks and magic tutorials perfect for beginners.
- Chris Ramsay (YouTube): Entertaining magic tricks and puzzle challenges.
- Disturb Reality (YouTube): Easy-to-follow street magic tricks that will impress family and friends.
Indigo students find 52Kards helpful for learning simple but impressive card tricks.
- 9. Joining a Chess or Strategy Game Club
Chess is more than just a game—it helps develop critical thinking, patience, and strategy skills. These channels are a great way for preteens to dive into the world of chess and strategy games.
Free Channels to Start With:
- Chess.com (YouTube): Step-by-step tutorials for learning chess from the basics to advanced strategies.
- GothamChess (YouTube): Entertaining chess lessons with practical advice for players of all levels.
- The Chess Website (YouTube): Tactics, game analysis, and openings for both beginners and more experienced players.
Indigo students love GothamChess for its engaging and easy-to-understand lessons.
Conclusion: Start a New Hobby Today
Starting a new hobby is an exciting opportunity for preteens to grow, learn, and prepare for secondary school. Whether it’s coding, art, public speaking, or entrepreneurship, these free YouTube channels are a great way to pick up a new hobby from scratch. Encourage your preteen to explore these hobbies, and watch as they develop new skills and passions that will serve them well in their future academic and personal journeys.