The term “extra-curricular activities” itself signifies the activities which are not
usually, a part of the curriculum but are generally a part of school education.
Education is, therefore, more than academics; it involves the holistic development
of students, which is not possible without the children in school participating in
extra-curricular activities. It is a common perception on part of the parents in our
country that their child should study day and night and focus on getting the top
grades. For most of them, extra-classroom activities count as some sort of pastime
rather than something that adds value to their child’s learning.
The Important Role of the Extra-Curricular Activities
First, the question is, what comes under extra-curricular activities.
Reading, drama, debate, sports, tutoring, arts, and topic-specific clubs (like Math
Club, Philanthropy Club, etc.) are some of the common extra-curricular activities.
Any 10+2 school is also now more likely than ever to organize different kinds of
competitions (like Poster-Making, Singing, Dancing, etc.) and activities (on
Environment Day, Doctor’s Day, Independence Day, etc.) to make their school
education as holistic and enabling as possible.
Why should the children in school participate in extra-classroom activities, you may
be wondering. You should know that the role played by extra-curricular activities is
important, esp. in your child’s 10+2 school, because it lays the foundation for
his/her entire future and success. There are various reasons for this assertion. Here
are some of the benefits of extra-curricular activities in school education that would
simplify it all for you:
● Extra-curricular activities help your child explore interests outside the
curriculum and academics.
● Such activities can increase the self-confidence and 21st-century skills of
your 21st-century child.
● They promote problem-solving skills, critical thinking skills, and time.
management skills, communication skills, public speaking skills, etc.
● More importantly, extra-curricular activities help your kid develop life skills,
enabling him/her to move with the times and achieve big goals.
● When your child participates in extra-classroom activities, which most of your
nearby CBSE schools conduct for students, he/she gets to develop social
intelligence as well as team spirit.
● These activities also help your child develop multiple intelligence.
● Your child not only is likely to do better in academics but is also likely to be
positive and productive in all endeavors.
● Your nearby CBSE schools are also likely to involve you as parents in these
activities to boost student learning.
● Participation in extra-curricular activities increases the opportunities for you
in college or university education.
● Extra-curricular activities encourage practical/experiential learning, and
hence children retain concepts for a longer time.
● Such activities are conducive to the physical and mental well-being of your
child.
Conclusion
This is all to say that extra-classroom activities complement school education. These
activities are also known as co-curricular activities, in which schools or the students
might organize besides going through the mandatory curriculum learning.
Moreover, there are also things such as a K12 learning app, etc. to encourage the
students to go beyond textbooks and go towards practical learning. Hands-on
experience is always better than theoretical learning, so any K12 learning app is
also limited in guiding the students. All in all, there is no substitute for
extra-curricular activities as of now, and perhaps never will.