“The number and type of extracurricular activities available is sometimes overwhelming”. (Bill Lawhorn) This often becomes one of the reasons parents prefer their child to stick to regular classes. Many clubs seem very interesting, but if a child tries to do everything at the same time, it can end up with fewer positives and more negatives. That is why a child must learn time-management. Extracurricular activities help a child determine how much time he has and how he can use it most efficiently. It will make him or her more efficient and more concentrated.
In the real world, one is allowed to limit oneself to doing just one thing. One has to be able to juggle work, home and anything else that comes up. “Some authors have explained that youth who participate in activities learn important skills which help them in other aspects of their life, for example, teamwork, or leadership skills”. (Randy Brown) Taking part and acquainting new skills will be very useful. Almost everything that we ever learn is somehow used in one way or other. Any skill that a child learns will come in handy in the future and add to their confidence at present. They will have fun, socialize and at the same time be doing something very important for their future career and life in general.
Children are eager to learn, moreover, for them, learning is a lot easier than for adults. The younger they are the easier it is to obtain new skills, gain needed experience. This precious period in their life cannot be wasted on sitting in front of the TV. They have to be involved and contribute to either a club, a sport or to their school in general. This will give them a broad perspective and will open up new roads. When a person is involved in many aspects of the world, they can choose to do whatever they want with their future. Involving your kids in extracurricular activities will let them choose the road they see best for themselves, a road which they will enjoy and where they will succeed.
After school activities help children be more organized with their time, prepare them for the world ahead and give them a wide range of knowledge. “While students spend the majority of their school time learning academic disciplines (math, science, language arts, social science), their overall educational experience can be enhanced by their involvement in extracurricular activities”. (The Benefits of Extracurricular Activities) These fun and exciting activities can end up playing an important role in the making of an individual. They play a positive role and should not be thrown aside.
Works Cited
1. Bill Lawhorn. “Extracurricular Activities”. Occupational Outlook Quarterly. Winter 2008-09
2. Randy Brown. “Extracurricular Activity: How does participation encourage positive youth development?” Corporate Extension. http://www.unce.unr.edu/publications/files/cy/other/fs9932.pdf 21 January, 2012
3. “The Benefits of Extracurricular Activities” Quality Education. http://www.qualityeducation203.org/cms/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=69:the-benefits-of-extracurricular-activities 21 January, 2012
