What are the Benefits of Extra-Curricular Activities for Children?
/Having a hobby or joining a club outside of school is a fun way for your child to meet new people, try new things and stay active. Extra-curricular activities often include dance groups and football clubs; however they can also extend to paid and volunteer work.
By taking part in extra-curricular activities, your child will develop a number of important personal skills that will benefit them both socially and academically.
To highlight the importance of extra-curricular activities for children, Avon House School share some of the key benefits below…
Healthy lifestyle
Extra-curricular activities can help to improve your child’s health in a number of ways. Many extra-curricular activities are physical; such as dancing and sports. These activities not only help to keep children fit and healthy, but physical activities have also been proven to support children’s mental health too.
This is especially true for girls as they tend to drop out of physical activity from age 9. Common barriers to participation range from lack of time, availability, and awareness of sport, to changing priorities, low confidence, negative body image, perceived lack of skill, and feeling unwelcome.
Self-confidence
Extra-curricular activities are an ideal way to boost your child’s self-confidence. This is because they provide an opportunity to meet new people, gain new skills and explore a new environment.
Your child may also get a chance to develop their communication, problem-solving and teamwork skills, which can all contribute greatly to their future career.
Playing as a team can also help children develop skills such as cooperation, to be less selfish, and to listen to others. We all benefit from the sense of belonging felt when being part of a team. Not only can it help them make new friends but builds their social circle outside of school.
Personal skills
Taking part in after school activities can also help your child to develop their personal skills and gain more experience. By adding a new activity to their timetable, your child will also learn to plan ahead and manage their time more efficiently.
Some sports have a big following outside of the school environment, for this reason it can be great at bringing children together to watch a match. Even televised games like the World Cup or keeping up to date with the europa league results, creates a buzz and lots of conversations. My son and his friends are always talking about their favourite players and where they’ve been transferred. It’s a bonding topic for them.
Creativity boost
By taking part in new creative hobbies your child will be able to explore and develop their personal interests and styles. Art classes and drama groups are both great opportunities for your child to learn how to express themselves.
This can be done as part of an after school class or at home. There are so many great places to get craft supplies now. It can be very therapeutic for both of you to create something together.
Career prospects
Participating in extra-curricular activities is also a great way to build an impressive CV. This can help your son or daughter to stand out from the competition when applying for jobs. Your child will be able to show an employer their personal interests and what achievements these have led to.