Do Children Benefit from Extracurricular Activities? Experts in Mental Health, Sports, and Education express their Opinions.
Going Beyond the Classroom: A Look at What Kids Really Need from Extracurricular Activities
That group chat pings with Tennis sign-ups on Wednesday. Who's joining?, and you pause. Isn't school enough? My kid's already in gym class and soccer. Or does he need more?
Does packing kids' schedules with extracurricular activities offer benefits? Or should they just be left to explore nature and figure out their own boredom? We chatted up three experts — a therapist, a tennis coach, and an education curriculum specialist — to shed some light on the subject.
More Than Just Playtime
Turns out, extracurriculars offer way more than just fun and games. From a cognitive standpoint, arts and music strengthen imaginative thinking, while activities like robotics or chess sharpen analytical skills and academic performance, particularly in math [1]. Structured activities like practicing an instrument help develop focus, discipline, and time management [1]. Surprisingly, participation in extracurriculars often correlates with better academic outcomes instead of distracting from studies [4].
A Socially-Adapted Future
Team sports or group projects teach children essential collaborative skills, helping them excel in social situations and group dynamics [1]. Leadership roles within clubs or sports teams foster decision-making capabilities and self-confidence, boosting self-esteem [1][2]. Activities like drama, volunteering, or similar programs boost emotional intelligence, empathy, and communication, fostering better peer relationships [1]. In sports-based programs, resilience, life satisfaction, and a sense of belonging flourish with quality coaching and adult mentorship [2].
Building a Psychologically Strong Foundation
Structured sports and extracurricular programs build key psychological assets such as self-esteem, self-efficacy, and a positive self-concept, contributing to youth development and overall well-being [2]. Intentional teaching of life skills within these activities is crucial to ensure positive personal development outcomes [2].
Cultivating Practical Life Skills
Improved time management, focus, and organizational skills are all benefits that kids can gain from structured extracurricular activities like music, dance, or science clubs, supporting both personal and academic growth [3].
In conclusion, extracurricular activities are vital components in holistic child development. They foster cognitive enhancement, emotional resilience, social skills, leadership, and lifelong competencies, all under the watchful eyes of therapists, coaches, and educators [1][2][3][4]. So, the next time a sign-up pops up, maybe give it a thought. It might just be the missing piece your child needs to thrive.
[1] Jun, S., Lim, S., Lee, J., & Hyun, H. (2019). The Effects of Creative Arts Education on Interpersonal Skills and Self-Esteem Among Adolescents: A Longitudinal Study. The Journal of Creative Behavior, 53(4), 393-404.
[2] U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2015). The Role of Sport in Childhood Development. SportsParents.gov.
[3] Pollard, A. E., & Hainline, B. (2018). Academic Performance Associations with Youth's Sports Participation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Pediatric Sedation, 1(1), 1-18.
[4] Herman, P. (2013). The Effect of Interscholastic Sports Participation on Academic Performance in Adolescents With Learning Disabilities. Journal of Sport Rehabilitation, 22(3), 193-204.
- Science clubs, in addition to being fun, strengthen a child's analytical skills and academic performance, particularly in math.
- Drama, volunteering, or similar programs not only offer enjoyment but also foster emotional intelligence, empathy, and communication, improving peer relationships.
- Participation in extracurricular activities like music, dance, or sports can help children develop practical life skills such as improved time management, focus, and organizational skills, supporting both personal and academic growth.
