How Extracurricular Activities Help Children Achieve Better Grades in School.

The one thing all successful schooling systems stress upon is the importance of extracurricular activities. This is because they play a major role in improving a student’s overall performance. Such activities may include sports, event management, music, drama, and many others. They come with numerous advantages that benefit students not just academically, but in shaping their personalities as well. Research indicates that all-rounders tend to be more efficient, responsible, creative and hard working. Here is an in-depth look at some of the advantages of extracurricular activities.

Fewer Behavioural Problems

Students who divide time between extracurricular activities and studies have fewer behavioural problems, as compared to those who are not involved in such activities. This is because taking part in something that hones talent and creativity also gives clarity in thinking. Therefore, such students are more respectful and kinder towards others because of the ability to remain calm in situations that would otherwise anger a person.

Formation of a Healthy Routine

Standardized Math and English tests show that students achieve more when they have passed some fitness tests. A   by the California Department of Education shows that healthy and fit children are more motivated than your average student, to attend school and perform better. It encourages a healthy routine due to a need to follow some kind of schedule.

Better Understanding Outside and Inside the Classroom

Extracurricular activities do not restrict students to the lessons learnt in class. They help children learn out of experiences, both tangible and intangible. This even helps students retain information taught in their classrooms. Experiences help children grasp a better concept about value, spontaneity, socializing, multitasking, and management. Therefore, they are better equipped to handle situations that require problem solving since their brains become conditioned to function more effectively.

Development of Social Skills

It is not necessary that an introvert has to be forced into joining the debate team, or someone passionate about sports has to take up painting against their will. What is important is to be part of a community of like-minded individuals to be able to interact with fellow students. All kinds of extracurricular activities help in building relationships, acquaintances, networks and team spirit. The division of tasks when it comes to teamwork encourages students to put in their best efforts since they know that the end result will affect the entire team. Furthermore, it is a fool proof way of maintaining a sense of team spirit throughout their future careers and other endeavours.

Development of Leadership Skills

The more a child explores different environments, the more they will learn to interact, adjust and improvise within them. This helps develop and strengthen one’s character since strengths and weaknesses are discovered. It further helps children in gaining confidence, support and motivation to put forward new ideas. Grades are therefore improved as the child will not hesitate to think independently or ponder on new ideas to create solutions of their own.

Better Time Management Skills

As long as there isn’t a massive pressure or work overload looming over one’s head, having productive activities besides studying can be highly beneficial. More tasks generally help students get more organized since they learn a seriously important skill; Prioritizing. Prioritizing is one of the best life skills since it enables efficiency, time management and problem solving. Above all it makes students smart enough to understand how much effort various tasks need in accordance to their respective importance. This applies to exams as well, since students understand which section needs more time and effort, thus being able to perform better. Therefore, such students are less likely to be procrastinators, since they simply don’t have time to procrastinate.

Provide Relaxation and Stress Relief

Extracurricular activities are a great relaxation technique. By utilizing one’s brain, body and natural talents, students are able to focus their energies on activities with positive outcomes. Furthermore, they provide a way for students to channel their emotions positively as well. Those who don’t have a way or medium to do so often feel the weight of the studies more. This makes it harder for them to deal with stress in terms of studies as well as finding something they are passionate about. That in turn could lead to social awkwardness, not fitting in, struggling with studies, and in worse cases, even lead to anxiety or depression. Studies show that art, music and dance can help children with expressive therapy, which is a way for them to express their thoughts and emotions through various art forms. Therefore, it is crucial to keep the mind healthy and relaxed by engaging in activities that provide such physical, emotional and intellectual outlets.

Better Focus and Concentration

Arts help attain more focus and concentration by paying attention to tiny details that help develop one’s talents. Even non-violent video games played in moderation can help increase analytical skills and problem solving. However, one of the best ways to improve focus, concentration as well as creativity is physical activity. Sports and exercise help improve the blood circulation of the body, keeping children attentive, vigilant and more focused even during studies. Furthermore, they work on the child’s self-esteem, and help them become more ambitious by setting goals for themselves.

In conclusion, extracurricular activities are not just there to provide students with a “break” from studies but help improve studies in many ways as well. It is important to know, however, that these activities should solely be based on the choice of children themselves, rather than being forced on them. This is because every child is different and possesses a different set of talents, capabilities and passions. Therefore, they should be something that students enjoy, so that they look forward to school and studies as well.

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