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What are Extracurricular Activities ?
Extracurricular Activities are those activities which are not included in a school curriculum. These can be extensions of academic activities and/or non-academic activities. These generally fall outside the realm of the normal curriculum of school or university education and as such are are generally voluntary. These are performed by school students and may involve active participation of the institute staff. Extracurricular Activities exist at all levels of education, junior high/middle school, high school, college and university education. These activities are generally undertaken by institution faculty or are independent of faculty, led by students themselves. A collaboration of faculty and students for such activities also exits. They can be either School-Sponsored or Non-School Sponsored.
Different Types of Extracurricular Activities
Where do Extracurricular Activities Fit in a Student's Life ? - Importance, Significance or Role of Extracurricular Activities
Extracurricular Activities as the term itself defines itself, are activities which are extra in nature. Most educational institutes have some sort of arrangement for these activities. Normally one expects students to go to educational institutes to study but is student life just limited to academics. There is more to offer than just Plus and Minus or ABCD. Extracurricular Activities break the Tandem of Repetitive Routines. These can have a Negative Impact on a student's life. Extracurricular Activities do more Good than Harm. It's effect on students is long lasting and life enhancing. The experience gained from these is comparable to none. Though they are not a normal part of School curriculum but they certainly need to be experienced by everyone because of the range of benefits they provide, some of which are unforeseeable productive and come handy in later life.
They provides fun and escape from boredom of repetitive school life routine.
These challenge you and your limits.
They are source of acquiring support from other students with similar interests such as language clubs etc.
A club or group helps in socialising and can be a great way to meet people who are different from you. Students who feel alone and alienated find a sense of belonging.
Lots of youth programs bring people together who come from different backgrounds and they become a way to break down the barriers between people.
It adds extra weightage to job or admissions applications and shows well-rounded personality.
Being a leader in certain specific activities like being the president of the French club shows the depth of your commitment which further helps in specific areas like - being a Linguist or job which requires bilingual knowledge
These give you something better to do than wandering or napping all afternoon. People who are involved and engaged are less likely to become addicted to bad habits, like smoking or drinking.
Different activities assign you different roles within groups like president, captain, participant, leader, support person. Each role is important and acquiring these roles teaches us leadership and management skills and sense of responsibility. Being a member gives you structure and is less stressful. One can also apply his or her areas of expertise in areas that are needed such as utilising your financial skills being by becoming a treasurer of a group
They help in loosing our fears and inhibitions which otherwise would always remain with us like stage fright or fear of loosing.
These are especially helpful to those students who are not bright in academic subjects as they may excel in their extracurricular activities.
These are very valuable in maintaining health and fitness
Responsibility is one great quality which ones learns from these activities. When students take up any activity they are also required to maintain their academic grades which and also they might require certain grades to be eligible to participate. This creates in them a sense of responsibility as it becomes a must for them to handle these.
Extracurricular activities teach time-management skills. They have to develop a schedule that balances their practices, rehearsals and other aspects of his or her life events related to the activity or activities that they are involved in.
These activities are themselves a great teacher of life skills which academics alone cannot. As such they are a great way for students to begin a transition into the adult world.
Certain Extracurricular activities such as a football team, a band, or the cast of a theatre production teach communication and teamwork skill as they involve a group of people working together to achieve a common goal
Another important aspect of these activities is that they provide an outlet for creativity for the talented and help in developing self esteem.
These activities are also important in maintaining interest in attending school as they provide an incentive in the form of success in their respective fields. They thus also enhance a sense that they must succeed in their classes also
These activities can teach real world skills that encourage life-long interests which lead us on the road to becoming a productive and successful.
Where Extracurricular Activities might Lack ?
Often certain students take part in these activities out of excitement or to show off. But they don't realise or are unable to manage a schedule which balances alll aspects of their life. Thus they suffer from poor grades or might come under pressure.
Sometimes a student takes part in more activities than he can handle which results in undue stress, emotional turmoil and health problems.
Some activities are simply time consuming and they have direct effect on academic performance of the students.
In some institutions it is compulsory to participate in Extracurricular Activities irrespective of whether you like it or not. This too becomes an unnecessary source of botheration for those who are not interested.
Certain parents want their kids to be active in all sorts of activities and consider it a prestige. Their prestige becomes a pressure for them to excel in these activities.
Students who are obsessed with doing well, especially in physical activities, sometimes become the victims of eating disorders or anxiety attacks
Most activities come at some expense, either for enrolment, uniform fees, outings, costumes, or more.
A Word of Advice
Before joining any activity, make sure to chart out a schedule beforehand and stick to it. It is essential to keep a balance between schoolwork, extracurricular activities, a job, social life and health.
If the activities are causing too much stress one should leave it.
It is always wise to talk with an advisor or coach before you quit for any reason. Skipping and avoiding presents a wrong impression. Be direct and polite and explain your situation and feelings.
Sometimes we make wrong choices or these are too time-consuming. One can participate in a less time-consuming way or rejoin later.
It can take some time to find the extracurricular activity which best fits both a parent’s lifestyle and a child’s interests. A child should never be pressured to join as many activities as possible for the sake of college applications or their parent’s priorities. Extracurriculars can bring out the best in a child if they are the right fit for the child’s interests, curiosities, and abilities.
