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Extra-curricular activities are a fantastic opportunity for children to have some fun, make new friends, and build upon a range of key skills that will benefit them throughout life. What’s more, they form the baseline for many university applications, as they say a lot about an individual’s commitment and passion. A prep school in Buckinghamshire have put together the following reasons why extra-curricular activities are important for children…
Depending on your child’s chosen hobby, there are a variety of skills to be learnt through extra-curricular activities. For instance, if they join a football club, they will learn how to work as part of a team and follow instructions from the coach, as well as keeping physically fit. If they learn an instrument, they will learn the importance of practise and commitment.
Children who balance schoolwork, home life, socialisation, and an extra-curricular activity are usually far better at managing their time and organising their schedule. This is an important skill that will benefit them well into adulthood, as well as during exam periods at school.
As children become more proficient in a range of areas, they also become increasingly more confident. Essentially, if they become better at something and receive praise and applause for it, they will start to believe in themselves more, which will help them go after their goals and look to the future with an optimistic attitude.
When part of a club, children are able to meet others who share their interests, leading to lifelong friendships. They feel a sense of community and belonging within their club, which boosts their social skills and self-esteem.
Your child’s school will likely offer a range of extra-curricular activities, but there will likely be other options in your local area. Just make sure that it is something your child is genuinely interested in, otherwise it will just be a waste of everyone’s time.