How to Find the Best Extracurricular Activities
Extracurricular activities are essential in supporting a child’s growth and development. Children can get involved in activities early and carry on through high school and even college and beyond. But with virtually endless options, so it can be difficult to choose which is right for your child.
Read on for more information about why extracurricular activities are important for children, along with examples and tips for choosing the best one for your child.
Why are Extracurricular Activities Important?
Extracurricular activities are a great channel for reinforcing lessons learned at home and in the classroom. They allow children to apply academic or social skills in real-world context, explore their interests, create broader perspectives, and improve self-esteem.
Activities not only provide social opportunities to allow kids to develop critical social skills, but they can also lead to improved academic performance and an overall enhanced sense of wellbeing.
Additionally, several types of these activities help kids develop motor skills and improve physical fitness and work on building essential life skills such as:
Goal setting
Teamwork
Time management
Problem solving
Analytical thinking
Leadership
Exposure to kids from other communities and backgrounds who maybe similar or different can also reinforce these social and life skills and build positive habits.
Examples of Extracurricular Activities for Kids
Options of available extracurricular activities are virtually endless. Though remember it’s important not to overextend or overbook your child – experts recommend at least one day per week without an organized activity in order to have free time to relax and recharge.
It’s also important that they get involved in activities they enjoy and that can help them grow physically, mentally, and emotionally. Categories can include (but are not limited to):
Sports (both mainstream and alternative)
Scouts
Art
Theater
Music
Community service
School-affiliated organizations and clubs
Dance
STEM programs
How to Choose the Best Extracurricular Activity
Deciding on the best activity for your child depends on a variety of factors, such as your child’s age. For example, younger children may need a lot more direction to find the right activities vs. older children who can choose from a list of possibilities. Only you know if your child is physically and emotionally ready to get involved. Then, to get started:
Find out what’s available. Start with your child’s school – do they offer any clubs? Activities? Sports? Before- or after-school programs? You can also look for activities sponsored by organizations in your community, town’s recreation department, or public library.
Determine activities your child would enjoy. Extracurricular activities should be fun and enjoyable, so consider their interests and strengths, passions, and hobbies. Take advantage of their existing talents or use this as an opportunity for them to grow or learn something new.
Keep an open mind. Activities can challenge children in different ways, so encourage them to consider something they never thought about doing before or that would help them develop new skills like mental skills, physical fitness, or social skills.
Look into each activity once you’ve narrowed down a list. Check out the website and social media pages, talk to current or former members, and/or try to attend a meeting or practice to learn what the activity is all about and to learn if it’s right for your child.
Also keep in mind time and money commitments. This can include fees, equipment, private lessons, travel, and others. Ensure these fit with your calendar and budget. Also consider the age your child can start and deadlines for applying.
Depending on the age of your child, you may also want to think ahead to what would most benefit college applications, such as activities that develop leadership skills that can be beneficial in professional roles.
Contact Caliday for Maryland’s Best Before and After School Care Programs
For an easy, streamlined way to provide extracurricular activities for your child in a secure environment, contact Caliday. We offer programs in schools across Maryland that are tailored to help children grow both inside and outside the classroom. Fill out our quick online form to begin the enrollment process today.
