Introduction:

It has been argued that extracurricular activities are not very important in school life. But, encouraging children to participate in activities outside of the classroom deepen their social and intellectual growth. So, today, many schools give more importance to extracurricular activities. However, what are extracurricular activities and why they are important? Here I explain the benefits that come from being involved in activities that fall outside of the regular curriculum. Extracurricular activities are those activities that are not the components of the academic curriculum but an integral part of the educational environment. These extracurricular activities include sports; drama, music, etc help to develop creativity and artistic talents among children.

Meaning and Definition of Extracurricular Activities:

A range of activities organized outside of the regular school day, curriculum or course intended to meet learners' interests. These activities can help learners become more involved in their school or community and can help them to develop social and soft skills and to promote well-being.

Commendable Objective No.1:

Why are extracurricular activities important in school?

Extracurricular activities will allow a kid to build leadership, self-confidence, and various social skills. It makes the child explore different areas and choose their favorite field of passion. Eventually, it helps them make self decisions, which is an important criterion for being independent in life.

Commendable Objective No.2:

What is the importance of co-curricular activities in school?

Co-curricular activities are meant to bring social skills, intellectual skills, moral values, personality progress and character appeal in students. It includes athletics, cultural events, Library activities, science lab activities, classroom activities, creative arts and meditation etc.

Commendable Objective - Values No.3

What is the value of extracurricular activities in school?

Evidence of Soft Skill Development: Extracurricular activities are often breeding grounds for soft skills such as teamwork, communication, and leadership. Schools keenly observe these skills as they are quintessential for collaborative projects, peer interactions, and leadership roles within the school setting.

Commendable Objective - Values No.4:

Why are extracurricular activities important in schools?

Club activities assist students to cultivate a sense of unity and working with others in reaching the same goals. Students develop social skills: Clubs facilitate students to meet, mix, and work together with other students from different backgrounds in a diverse environment.

5 Major Tips for Extra Curricular Activities to Enhance Life Skills In Children.

1. This can be attributed to skills they learn such as better time management to accommodate their hobbies and class activities, better organizational skills and a boost in their self-esteem.
2. Abilities learnt in clubs, for example, discussion can be connected in the classroom as well, as the tiny brain figure out how to communicate better.
3. They were found to have better administration abilities and figured out how to relate preferred with their associates over the individuals who didn’t.
4. The numerous activities give feeling of promise as kids participate in whatever sports or club movement they participate, they need to focus on it and give their concentration with commitment.
5. Children meet and spend time with new people, hence forming new friendships

Principle of co-curricular activities:

Co-curricular activities provide them the opportunity to seek self-expression. Some may excel in these activities which help in the development of their self-confidence and emotional well-being. These activities provide a means of emotional adjustment to all students. Motivation is another advantage such activities.

Benefits of participating in extracurricular activities:

Benefits of participating in extracurricular activities included having better grades, having higher standardized test scores and higher educational attainment, attending school more regularly, and having a higher self-concept.

Here are key benefits for students who participate in extracurricular activities.

1. Improved Academic Performance
2. Social Opportunities
3. Higher self-esteem
4. Learn Time Management
5. Look good on resumes
6. Learn essential life skills
7. Enhances the sense of commitment
8. Introduction to new view
9. Personal growth and development

Disadvantages of Extra Curricular Activities:

Students who participate in extracurricular activities generally benefit from the ii many opportunities afforded them. Benefits of participating in extracurricular activities included having better grades, having higher standardized test scores and higher educational attainment, attending school more regularly, and having higher a higher self-concept. Participants in out-of-school activities often learned skills such as teamwork and leadership while decreasing the likelihood of alcohol use and illicit drug use and related problem behaviours. Those who participate in out-of-school activities often have higher grade point averages, a decrease in absenteeism, and an increased connectedness to the school.

Students who are over-scheduled in too many activities find that the benefits of participating in out-of-school activities may actually decrease. Overscheduled children may be tired, irritable and show little interest in participation. Over-scheduling too many physical activities may result in some students pushing themselves too far with the potential of having a serious sports-related injury as students may need time for relaxation and recovery from intense athletic training. Extracurricular activities often cost money to participate in some type of arranged "pay-to-play" fee. Whether it is paying the school activity fee or paying for private lessons or trying to further develop skills at summer camps, some families just are not economically able to be involved with out-of-school activities. Caring adults should consider working with the community to help reduce financial barriers to participation in healthy extracurricular options for students to develop team building, skill development and opportunities for leadership. When balanced with academic learning, extracurricular activities may help students raise self-esteem, develop school spirit and connect with the adults in the community in a positive manner creating a good situation for all.

Conclusion:

Should extracurricular activities be made compulsory in schools?

If extra-curricular activities are forced on the school then it will only result in boredom and exhaustion. Children want the extra-curriculum activities for fun, and cannot enjoy it under compulsion. Making extra-curriculum activities compulsory cannot reap any significant benefits.

.    .    .