When helping our children progress and develop academically, parents tend to focus on the main school curriculum. However, encouraging your child to pursue their interests outside of school by joining an extra-curricular activity can have a hugely positive impact on their performance in school. This is because hobbies and clubs are very beneficial to young people. I have teamed up with a private college in Wiltshire to explore further.
Parents should certainly encourage their children to join an extra-curricular activity, especially because it allows them to use their spare time in a productive and healthy manner. So many children nowadays are becoming increasingly more reliant on modern technology to keep them entertained, they are unable to explore the benefits of pursuing a hobby.
Extra-curricular activities could be anything from music lessons, sport, or something more unique like chess club or gardening. Children who engage with a hobby outside of their normal school commitments are able to develop a range of key skills, from commitment to time management. These are skills that cannot be taught from books in a classroom environment. What’s more, these skills will not only benefit the child in other areas of their life, but it will also help to improve their self-esteem.
Many extra-curricular activities are physical, giving children the chance to get some exercise and blow off some steam. Others allow them to meet likeminded people and build upon their social skills. Creative hobbies give children an outlet to express themselves in a safe and structured environment, which is especially important for timid children who might not feel comfortable sharing how they feel through verbal communication.
Another benefit of extra-curricular activities is that they are fun. They give children something to look forward to each week, even if it means they have to manage a busy schedule. If your child is hoping to apply to university in the future, being able to demonstrate a sense of character and a commitment to something outside of their school obligations will go along way in helping them build a solid personal statement.
