The term extracurricular activities is a term that most people see on job applications and college admissions forms, but are extracurricular activities that important? An extracurricular activity is any activity that can be completed outside of school work, and that makes these activities important! Today’s students are involved in multiple extracurricular activities that include playing on sports teams, writing for the school newspaper, playing an instrument in a band or local orchestra, or taking an art class at a local college.
These activities allow students to be involved but also to gain skills that will help them in the future. Below are just a few ways why a student should be involved in an extracurricular activity.
Academic Excellence
Parents and even some students worry that participating in extracurricular activities will take time away from schoolwork, but these activities have been shown to help students improve their grades. Their participation in activities outside of school hours can help increase their brain function and help them concentrate and even manage their time better. Studies have even shown that students who participate in extracurricular activities have higher grades and increase their chances of continuing their education after high school.
Social Skills
Getting involved in activities outside of school can help students feel connected to their community but also help them meet people they might not interact with daily. Students who join extracurricular activities have shown an increase in social skills and these students also end up with expanded social networks that can benefit them in the future. Making friends isn’t always easy, but the friendships formed during these activities can often lead to lifelong friendships!
Life Skills
Another benefit of extracurricular activities is the advantage of gaining real-world skills while being actively involved. Skills in time management, teamwork, problem-solving, leadership, and even public speaking can help students in the future. The more involved in an activity a student is, the more these skills will develop and help them in the future.
It’s important to remember that not every hour of every single day needs to be packed with an extracurricular activity. Students still need time to complete homework and have normal social lives. With a healthy balance of school and extracurricular activities, your student is bound to succeed in the future!