In an age where children are told to play less and study more, the old saying “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy” has never been more significant. Students are forced to study so hard to get good Grade Point Averages leaving them with no time for extracurricular activities. This will positively impact their success and help them in developing some vital life skills. When students are struggling with their grades, parents tend to blame it on the distraction caused by extracurricular activities. Parents think that these activities are a waste of the important study time.
However, this is so far from the truth. Although education should not be neglected, extracurricular activities should not take a back seat. They are both equally important and complement each other. Students who engage in these activities are more social, well-rounded and even better in health. Every student has a choice of activity to take part in. These extracurricular activities range from basketball, chess clubs, debate, athletics, choir and scouts. Students also have the option of choosing more than one activity. These activities will make the students better at managing their time and stress, therefore, improving their general productivity and even knowing better how to choose the perfect topic for their research papers that teachers often require.
Besides being fun, extracurricular activities are known to develop all-rounded students. Many reputable universities in the USA and abroad look for more than just academics in the student’s resume. Universities granting athletic scholarships look beyond the academic marks and grades. They look at how versatile and prospective a student is, and the activities are closely examined. Multi-dimensional students can use their skills in these activities to secure scholarships in different colleges and universities. A student’s involvement in extracurricular activities speak a lot to the college and university admissions committees.
According to studies and research by Erin (2011), Massoni and others, many students have acquired lots of benefits from taking part in extracurricular activities. Here are some of the benefits that are enjoyed by students who are allowed to take part in extracurricular activities.
Not many parents are aware of this fact, but extracurricular activities are known to improve the academic performance of students. This is mostly attributed to increased motivation, self-esteem and better management of time. When a student is involved in many tasks, the student develops better prioritizing and time management skills. A student who is engaged in extracurricular activities can easily differentiate the wheat from the chaff. These students rarely suffer from lack of self-worth or inferiority complex. Once students find activities that they are good at, their self esteem is boosted. With better time management and prioritizing, raised self-esteem and motivation, a student will definitely improve in academic performance.
Students can also learn new skills like critical thinking, social skills, and teamwork. These students learn to co-ordinate in a team and work well from a very young age. They can persuade people, solve disputes amicably and always compromise for the benefit of the whole team. The student will also be able to build solid relationships with people by getting involved in the various social activities. These solid relationship skills with their friends and peers will help them in school, and later on in the workplace.
Despite the lots of time and effort that is involved in extracurricular activities, there are very clear positive rewards in form of better life skills and fun. These activities make the students more committed to their goals. The students become more productive in their jobs and workplaces.
Yet another benefit of taking part in extracurricular activities is that it looks really good on the college application forms. This makes it very easy for the student to get an admission into the modern colleges and universities. These universities are looking for versatile students who have much more to offer than just education. The activities that these students reveal so much about them. The university is also able to gain a lot of money and prestige through students who engage in these extracurricular activities.
Ultimately, more parents and students should see how these extracurricular activities are important. This is for the benefit of the whole society. Remember the old adage, “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.”