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When it comes to a child’s overall learning and development, parents tend to focus on their main schooling and homework. However, extra-curricular activities are also important contributors to a child’s growth, in many ways. Generally speaking, an out of school hobby can teach a child a whole host of valuable life skills and help them mature in many ways. A junior school in Surrey explore in more detail below.
A child who goes above and beyond their school commitments will learn to juggle a busy schedule. Finding the time to fit in homework, chores, socialisation, relaxation, and an extra-curricular activity will help with time management skills, while demonstrating dedication. This says a lot about their personality and will find it beneficial when the time comes to start applying to universities and/or jobs in the future. Employers and universities look favourably on applicants who have something more to give than a generic education.
Extra-curricular activities usually help children with their self-esteem, as its an opportunity to boost key skills. For instance, if your child joins a sports team, they will learn the importance of working together and following directions from the coach. Those who learn a musical instrument will become increasingly more confident with each piece of music that they perform in front of others. Certain clubs allow children to form relationships with likeminded people, helping them to build a strong, supportive social circle.
The key skills learned through extra-curricular activities can be transferred to other areas of a child’s life, making it easier for them to perform well in school. What’s more, research has found that these activities can help to enhance brain function and basically support a child’s ability to concentrate, again helping them in class.
Nowadays, parents are becoming increasingly more concerned with their child’s mobile phone usage, and addiction to other digital devices. With that said, an extra-curricular activity is a great way to encourage your child to put down their technology and spend their time more productively. However, it’s crucial to let your child choose the activity themselves, as forcing them to do something they’re not actually interested in will be a waste of everyone’s time.
