Benefits of Extracurricular Activities for Students

Back in the day, the only place for children to take extracurricular activities was at the school they were attending. Times have really changed! Even the smallest of towns usually have plenty of extracurricular activities to choose from that are entirely separate from the local school system. 

 

And that is a good thing!

 

There are numerous benefits to having your children pursue extracurricular activities that they are genuinely interested in trying out. 

 

Being Around Like-Minded People

Often, children can find themselves alienated because they may like something other children in their class do not. Allowing them to embark on activities outside of school will allow them to befriend individuals with the same interests. They will no longer feel like an outcast but instead like someone involved in a particular group.

 

Increased Confidence

When a child gets to be really good at something, it increases their confidence across the board. I once had a fourth-grade student who felt lonely and isolated from the rest of the class, only to realize she was an outstanding fiction writer. She even started joining writing clubs to further her talent. Before long, her confidence in every subject improved, and her ability to make friends improved almost overnight. 

 

Welcome to the Real World!

Unfortunately, children often view social media as one of the most essential things in their lives. They live for the approval of others online and become heavily caught up in much of the silliness. Even though they add virtual “friends” and get “likes,” it usually does not do much for their real life. In fact, for many, a person’s online presence is carefully cultivated and does not reflect their real life. 

 

The more children we can get developing their love of actual activity, the better off they will be. By joining extracurricular activities, they are actually enjoying the real world. They are living once again and not just behind a screen. 

 

Wondering Which Extracurriculars to Enroll Your Child in?

With a bit of local research, you can find quite a number of extracurriculars that your children will get excited about. Of course, it is always important to ask about their interests first so you are not forcing the child into an activity they dread going to a couple of times a week. 

 

Here are a few more popular extracurricular activities your child could learn to love. 

 

Music Lessons

Looking back on life, I really wish I had taken music lessons. How great would it be to sit down at a piano and hammer out some tunes for everyone to enjoy? At iAchieve, we offer music lessons for virtually any instrument you can think of. Plus, we can do these lessons in person or remotely. 

 

MMA

Mixed martial arts is a combat sport that involves several types of fighting disciplines. Not only will it allow someone to learn how to defend themselves, but their confidence will go through the roof just knowing if a threat occurs, they are well prepared. There are usually several MMA facilities around for someone to try their hand at within a 30-mile radius. 

 

The Arts

Whether speaking of theater, literature, or creating masterpieces through painting and sculpting, there will always be a strong love for the arts. People equate their skills with developing culture, so it is always suitable for the artistic child to explore. 

 

Sports

While a child’s school will offer various sports programs, they don’t provide programs for all sports. Or maybe your child does not receive much playing time and could use more practice than their school team offers. In either case, there are sports leagues outside of the school system that could do them well. 

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