Between school and recreation, most children try one or more extracurricular activities. These classes and programs allow children and teens to pursue special interests that go beyond the typical educational program, including sports, art, hobby clubs, and technology.
If you already have a busy family schedule, you may wonder if extracurricular activities are worth the time and money. Indeed, there is plenty of evidence that developmental programs outside the classroom improve children’s social and academic skills. Fortunately, children have more opportunities than ever to find activities that can ignite a real passion.
The benefits of extracurricular activities
Depending on which program you are considering for your child is physical, intellectual or creative in nature, specific extracurricular activities can help develop skills in different areas of development. However, research has shown that extracurricular activities in general can:
Offer children the opportunity to make closer friends than at school through shared interests.
Develop teamwork and problem-solving skills
Help children develop emotional regulation that carries over into the classroom
Encourage excellent academic performance
Improve a high school student’s college application portfolio
Types of extracurricular activities
You might be surprised at how many different types of extracurricular activities are offered to choose from in schools and communities. Among the options, from hobby clubs to year-round competitive programs, you can find a program for almost any type of child. Here are just a few examples of what organized activities may be offered near you.
Sports
Sports are the most common extracurricular activity for children in the United States. Swimming lessons, skating lessons, and soccer lessons are usually offered to children in the early and preschool years. Many city recreation departments offer baseball, softball, basketball, lacrosse, hockey, tennis, and volleyball to elementary school age children. As they get out of the youth leagues, many kids can join middle or high school sports teams or try out for a competitive travel sports team .
Rest assured, if your child doesn’t seem to enjoy popular sports like these, there are a growing number of alternative physical activity programs to keep them active. Ask your child’s physical education teacher or local recreation department if they know of any martial arts clinics or clubs, golf, skiing, BMX biking or rock climbing in your area.
Explore
Scout groups are a great choice for kids who love the outdoors and are ready to try a variety of activities. Scouts learn basic outdoor survival skills, but are also expected to earn badges in other skills such as cooking, cleaning, art, finances, goal setting, and self-care.
Historically there have been Boy Scout Troops and Girl Scout Troops, but these distinctions are no longer based on traditional gender norms. The organization formerly known as Boy Scouts is now called BSA Scouts and welcomes both girls and boys.
The Girl Scouts still only accept girls into their ranks, but, taking into account transgender youth, clarify that: “If a child is recognized by family and school/society as a girl and culturally lives as a girl, then Girl Scouts is an organization that can serve her in an environment that is both emotionally and physically safe.”
Performing Arts
Theater and dance are popular extracurricular activities found in almost every community. Many schools put on plays and other performances that students can sign up for or try out. Other students who enjoy stage acting, but not performing, can help create sets or costumes.
Some children who excel in the performing arts may grow up to become professional actors, comedians, or other performers, but many others will gain confidence, make friendships, and continue to participate in community theater or similar groups when they become adults.
Fine Arts.
Because many schools are cutting back or limiting their special education classes, children who love to draw, color or create can benefit from participating in an art program to learn techniques and see their creativity flourish. Consult your child’s art teacher or your local art supply store about classes and camps; some cater to very specific artistic interests, such as pottery or graphic design. Many art museums also offer workshops for children.
Music
Music band and choir are popular electives in many schools. Children can also take private lessons or join a local youth orchestra or other music groups. Educational research shows that children who play musical instruments do better in school subjects. However, learning to play and appreciate music is a fantastic reward in itself.
Community Service.
Service organizations are great for teaching children about social and humanitarian issues. Older children and teens often gain leadership skills and make important personal connections.
Middle school and high school honor societies often require students to do a certain number of hours of community service, which demonstrates the important role that schools believe this endeavor plays in developing individual character.
Churches, synagogues, temples, and younger versions of groups like Kiwanis and Lions offer community service opportunities for children. Individual schools often have community service clubs that provide community service, whether it’s sewing quilts without stitches or collecting food from the pantry.