The importance and power of Extracurricular Activities for Children and Teenagers.

A new school year doesn’t just mean homework and daily lessons. Children and teenagers also need opportunities outside the classroom to relax, grow, explore, and build resilience. Extracurricular activities can play a big role in this.

Benefits of extracurricular activities include:

  • Personal growth: Activities like dance, theatre, music, or sports help children discover their talents and develop self-confidence. The more students accomplish, the more confident they become.
  • Social skills: Working in a team whether on the field, in a drama group, or during a book club teaches cooperation, communication, and empathy.
  • Healthy lifestyle: Sports and active hobbies build strong bodies, reduce stress, and encourage healthy habits.
  • Creativity and problem-solving: Arts and crafts, robotics, or STEM classes spark imagination and teach children how to think outside the box.
  • Time Management Skills: Students have a lot going on, from academics to sports to clubs. When students take part in extracurricular activities, they learn how to manage their time effectively out of necessity. Juggling several assignments and activities is a skill that enhances their executive functions and puts them ahead of the game in the present and future.
  • Academic achievement: Students who participate in extracurricular activities experience higher levels of academic achievement. These effects have been researched since the early 1930s (Shulruf, Tumen, & Tolley, 2007). Students who participate frequently in extracurricular activities tend to have higher grades, better test scores, and more positive educational experiences in general (Fredricks, 2011).
  • Resilience and perseverance: Learning a new skill or practicing regularly helps children understand the value of effort and persistence.

It doesn’t always mean formal classes!
At home, children can:

  • Play outside and invent their own games.
  • Get creative with drawing, crafts, or storytelling.
  • Watch educational videos to explore new skills.
  • Read books and share stories with the family. You can even have your own family book club.
  • Cook, build, garden, or experiment alongside parents.

Most importantly, spending quality time together, whether guiding them in a project, joining a game, or simply talking makes children feel supported and motivated.

Eleana Hadjimina, Licensed School / Educational Psychologist (478)