Ten Benefits of Extracurricular Activities

While most parents focus on academic success, involvement outside the classroom is just as important. I hope to demonstrate this by discussing ten benefits of extracurricular activities.

1. Developing talents, skills and interests.

What does your child enjoy doing during their free time? What are they passionate about? Do they have a special talent? After-school activities such as the school band, sports, drama club, the newspaper staff, and the art club allow students to discover their passions and develop their talents.

2. Making friends and developing social skills.

Friendships develop when children spend time with others who share the same interests. Your child may want to join a sports team, the chess club, Scouts, a youth group or the school orchestra. Children need to belong to a group and feel accepted.

3. Building confidence and self-esteem.

We all feel better about ourselves when we are recognized for doing something well. Starring in the school play, winning a sports championship, excelling in Scouts or placing in the Science Olympiad are all wonderful ways to build confidence. But, so are simpler things like serving on a committee or helping to build a Habitat for Humanity home.

4. To learn time management skills.

There are only so many hours in each day and children must learn how to prioritize. Students learn how to balance academics with other pursuits when they hold a part-time job, do volunteer work or go to football practice every afternoon.

5. Teamwork.

Students need to learn to work well with others to reach a common goal. Many great achievements are a result of collaboration. Participation in sports, Scouts, student government and service organizations helps promote teamwork.

6. To build your college resume.

Colleges are looking for well-rounded students who demonstrate leadership and commitment. At top schools, like Princeton, well-developed extracurricular activities are important.

Many colleges ask that applicants write an essay on one of their most meaningful pursuits. Students who win state or national awards for their after-school activities will certainly stand out.

7. Making a contribution to your community.

When I attended both my son’s Eagle Scout and my daughter’s Girl Scout Gold Award ceremonies, I was amazed by the accomplishments of young people in our area. These award recipients

• built wells in Africa,
• collected and donated thousands of books to orphanages,
• organized a prom for special needs students,
• helped build schools overseas, or
• completed other significant projects.

Even a teenager can help change the world!

8. To broaden your perspective.

Photography club, the Spanish club, the debate team or traveling abroad can expand your viewpoint. Extracurricular activities can change the way you look at the world and how you see your role in making it a better place.

9. To relax your mind.

Students can reduce the stress of classes and homework when they do what they enjoy. Dancing, yoga, playing golf, swimming and making crafts are great ways to unwind.

10. Developing persistence by setting and accomplishing goals.

Extracurricular activities can teach students to finish what they start. Competing in sports to win a championship, participating in the Science Olympiad National Tournament, holding a job or working toward the Eagle Scout award are wonderful ways to develop this. The benefit of developing persistence can not be overstated.

Calvin Coolidge said it this way,

“Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.”

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Check out this review from The Old School House of my books, Hope’s Colors and Homeschooling Hope.