The benefits of extracurricular activities

What if you could give your student an edge in the classroom and introduce them to a group of potential friends at the same time? In a nutshell, that’s what extracurricular activities offer – the promise of new friends and new skills.

Be it athletics, the news production team, choral group, or safety patrol, students involved in extracurricular activities get a chance to meet other students with at least one common interest. That makes getting to know a new friend easier. No matter whether the student is new to the school or one that beats to his own drum, having a buddy from an afterschool activity gives all a level playing field. This can lead to experiences in the value-laden skills of sharing, listening, and being loyal – all critical to being a friend.

“We offer a variety of extracurricular opportunities because we recognize that they enrich the classroom experience and address the growth of the whole child,” said Kathleen Walsh, principal of St. Margaret Mary Catholic School.

There is also a benefit for parents looking to meet other parents of same-aged students. Their children’s involvement gives them something in common. Trust builds over time and parents discover others with similar parenting values and work ethic.

“You learn who you can work best with as a homeroom parent and who you trust for car pool,” said Nidia Isa, a mom to three St. Margaret Mary students.

In some cases, a mentor relationship blossoms with the experienced parent sharing practical parenting tips.

For working parents, afterschool activities also offer peace of mind. Their students are supervised and engaged with potential friends.

Depending on the extracurricular activity your child chooses, there’s also the advantage of tangible, transferrable skills. Being a part of the video production club helps students design a class project and may even determine college interests. Playing middle school sports builds physical fitness, teamwork, and self-esteem. These foundational experiences can translate into college intramural participation, life-long habits of fitness, and the ability to discuss sports news in any setting. Similar gains can be made from playing in a band or participating in an arts club.

The National Center for Education Statistics concludes that, “Extracurricular activities provide a channel for reinforcing the lessons learned in the classroom, offering students the opportunity to apply academic skills in a real-world context, and are thus considered part of a well-rounded education.”

Various studies including one by the Department of Education support the idea that students with extracurricular activities have higher grade point averages than students who are not involved. Those with extracurricular activities also tend to see school as a more positive experience.

Participating in extracurricular activities can also teach time management and leadership skills. Being part of a team, means committing to practices for the team and for self-improvement. Juggling homework, playing in the chess club, and volunteering to serve the homeless gives students real-world experience in managing time and priorities. Suddenly, putting the cell phone facedown for an hour isn’t such a big deal.

What’s more, taking on additional responsibility as a club officer, team captain, or first chair provides a non-threatening way to learn interpersonal skills and to lead by example. It’s no surprise that colleges and employers seek students with those experiences.

In the high school years, extracurricular activities can distinguish an applicant from the hundreds of high-achieving test takers and honor students. Showing a commitment to scouting, serving as a mentor to other students, and holding different roles in the drama club can all help your student’s application, possibly even opening the doors to scholarships.

The only caveat is the dreaded overextended phenomena. Some families seek the benefits of extracurricular involvement so aggressively that the students and the family begin to suffer. Elementary school aged children are particularly susceptible because they cannot express that they have had enough. The signs are there though: wanting to skip practice on a regular basis, overtired or grumpy behavior, regularly eating on the run (in the car), slipping grades.

“When you see an overscheduled child, it’s often clear that the stress of demands on time is interfering with any positive benefits,” said Judy Keith, school counselor at St. Margaret Mary Catholic School.

The quality of the experience is more important than the quantity. This becomes an important point again in college applications. Admission officers will say time and time again, that they would prefer to see a committed effort in a few activities than a laundry list of clubs that a student is a member of in name only. The College Board, producers of SAT and Advanced Placement testing services, say it succinctly, “Choose depth over breadth.”

Bottom line, well-chosen extracurricular activities benefit your student and add to the educational experience. Through those activities they find friends and learn valuable skills in a comfortable environment that they choose.