1. Learn new skills
Fundamentally, extracurricular activities allow your child to learn something that could stay with them for a lifetime.
Directly, that skill could be the basis of a hobby or passion that enriches their life for many years. Everything from playing sports to learning an instrument could lead to hours spent doing something they enjoy.
Beyond that, extracurricular activities instil key skills and personality traits that can be helpful in other walks of life. Using the same examples, sports are key to developing teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving skills. A musical instrument requires perseverance, hand-eye coordination and, above all, creativity.
These are skills that provide continued benefits long after their education is completed.
2. Boost academic performance
A lot of the skills that lie at the heart of extracurricular activities can be used during core academic subjects. Education requires solid problem-solving skills, memory, creativity, and critical thinking. To varying degrees, you can find an extracurricular activity that has an impact on these areas.
Research has been carried out that develops a link between extracurricular participation and better academic performance. In one study by the Texas A&M University, important academic outcomes like reading, math achievement and course grades were all found to be positively influenced by children who engage in extracurricular activities.
3. Broader social skills
The nature of many extracurricular activities means that your child will be engaging with other children in a social setting. Away from the classroom, it’s a good opportunity for them to mix with likeminded children in something they all enjoy. This gives them a chance to develop their social skills, meet new friends and become more confident communicating in groups.
Extracurricular activities can also aid in the development of self-esteem and confidence. It is gratifying when we succeed in something we enjoy, especially after working hard to achieve it. Good self-esteem is an essential tool for positive mental health and wellbeing.
4. Improved time management
Extracurricular activities also give children a great tool through which to learn important time management skills. Through the task of balancing school life and an after school club for example, students will begin to lay the foundations for skills which will benefit them at later stages of their education and in the steps they will take post-education.
5. Impress universities
Extracurricular activities are also a great benefit to a students’ resume when it comes to applying for universities or jobs. Universities, for example, love to see evidence from a prospective student that they are willing to go above and beyond to develop new skills. Extracurricular activities also demonstrate that your child has varied interests and a curiosity to learn beyond the traditional classroom.