Why Extracurricular Activities Are Good for Our STUDENTS

    In 2007, when the Academy of Innovation began, we intentionally planned our release time for 3:00.  Knowing that many of our students have short attention spans and their “gas tanks” are empty after a full morning of intense instruction, we decided that 3 o’clock was the best time to go home.  In addition, we purposefully made an earlier time so that if students wanted to participate in athletics, scouts, art, music, martial arts, or any other activity of interest, they would have plenty of time to attend the activity of their choice.

    Education should go beyond our four walls.  Many of our students have talents that cannot be showcased in a classroom setting.  So, if a student can draw, build a motor, do the butterfly stroke in a race, do a flip on a balance beam, chop a board with a kick,  easily run a mile, sing, play an instrument or chess, or cook over a campfire, there should be time left in the school day for to pursue these skills.
    What are the advantages of participating in extracurricular activities?

• Provides Tension Outlets--30 minutes of cardio exercise 3 or more times a week will reduce anxious/depressive symptoms up to 70%!  Anything that gets a kid’s body moving is a step in the right direction, activities like taking a walk, biking, hiking, dancing, yoga, and any team sports can help students feel better, think more clearly and sleep more soundly.
• Improved Academic Performance--Studies have shown that students who do extracurricular activities show marked improvement in grades
• Better Time Management Skills--Students learn how to plan to get their activities and homework done.
• Learn New and Useful Skills--Students who participate in groups learn how to be team players, develop better social and leadership skills.
• Sense of Commitment/Responsibility--Students learn a sense of dedication and loyalty when they become a member of a team or a club.   Being a dedicated team player helps students develop a sense of responsibility and accountability to adults and peers outside of the family.
• New Friends--Kids learn how to make new friends, find common interests and learn different points of view from meeting new people.
• Introduction to New Activities--Every kid needs 3 to 5 sources of self-esteem.  Activities that develop hobbies and talent help a young person produce a feeling of personal pride and enhance self esteem.  If your child only has one source of self-esteem, he or she is less insulated against life’s trials and tribulations. No kid’s entire self worth should come from only one source.  If your child doesn’t express an interest in anything, you’ll have to shop around until something clicks. If he or she says no to an idea, you’re not off of the hook. Be firm, take the lead and keep exploring options!

For more information about extracurricular activities go to https://www.theeducator.com/blog/role-extracurricular-activities-students-development/ or look in When kids call the shots by Sean Grover--an excellent book with great practical parenting tips.