It is September in Central Ohio, which means schools are back in session. With the start of a new school year, parents are bombarded by information about their child’s academic curriculum. At A Grade Ahead, we are here to help! Our curriculum aligns with what students learn in school to solidify and augment key concepts in math, English, and science. In addition to these core subjects, parents and students must also think about extracurricular activities. From sports to music to academic clubs, the possibilities can be overwhelming. Extracurriculars are a huge part of children’s education. They are even important when filling out college applications; no wonder they fill our schedules to the brim! In this article, we will explore extracurricular options and share tips for guiding your child in the selection process.
Sports
One of the most popular extracurricular areas of interest is sports. Many parents start their children in sports at a young age, some as early three years old. Here in Central Ohio, most schools offer the opportunity to play on sports teams starting in middle school. Some of the most common school sports include basketball, lacrosse, baseball, softball, track and field, football, and volleyball. In High School, these offerings typically increase to include even more options like swimming, hockey, and bowling. Sports offered for boys and girls vary by season, so be sure to get informed about your school’s try-out schedules.
Participating in school sports has pros and cons. Depending on the school, certain teams may have a closed number of participants, meaning students may try out for the team but get cut. Other sports are less competitive and offer opportunities for players of all skill levels to participate. School sports are very time-consuming for students and parents. With after-school practices, games, and tournaments, good time management is essential. Students must also maintain good grades to participate in sports teams. While successful participation in school sports can be a daunting task, it is a great way for children to prepare for the challenges of grown-up life. Sports teach essential values like teamwork, resilience, time management, and discipline.
Music
Music is another fantastic option as an extracurricular activity. From playing an instrument to singing in the choir, there are several ways for students to become musically involved. Many schools have music education programs where students can participate in choir, band, or orchestra. Being a part of those musical communities is like being on a sports team. Members of a choir must learn how to sing in harmony. Instrumentalists in band and orchestra must spend hours practicing together to play their songs just right. Take a marching band as an example: it combines playing an instrument with marching in sync as a large group. These are all great ways to learn collaboration, teamwork, communication, and to build friendships. To learn more about the benefits of music education, check out my previous blog post here.
Clubs
In addition to sports and music, students can participate in a variety of clubs. Often student-led, clubs are a great way for kids to explore personal interests and hobbies. From foreign language to math to drama, and community service, schools offer a wide range of activities to engage students. Some schools allow students to create their own clubs if there is enough interest to do so. Starting a club is a fantastic way for kids to practice leadership, creativity, organization, and community building. Some clubs, like theater, require a greater time commitment than others, so it is necessary to find a good balance. Participating in clubs is a wonderful way to be a part of the school community. A solid list of clubs also makes a great addition to college applications.
Tips
It is helpful to expose kids to as many activities as possible when they are young. This way, they have plenty of time to figure out where they excel and what they enjoy doing. Little league sports, community centers, and elementary school clubs are a great way to do this. Parents can take an active role in this process by enrolling in family group classes or volunteering to coach a sports team. Exploring interests alongside your child is a great way to bond with them and to understand their strengths and personality.
When it comes to encouraging older children to participate in extracurriculars, ideally, they should decide what to do. Many parents can fall into the habit of choosing or discouraging certain activities for their children. It might be difficult for a football-fanatic father to accept a son who wants to act in theater. A musical mother might not be very enthusiastic about a daughter who wants to play soccer. It can be very tempting to push children towards our own dreams. As parents, however, it is our job to guide our children towards their own passions. It is true that some children lack motivation and may struggle to choose anything at all. In this case, suggestions from parents are a great resource. It is certainly preferable to make your child do something than to allow them to do nothing. When possible, though, let kids choose their activities. Children learn and grow much better when they take a personal interest in what they are doing.
Are you looking for a way to enrich your student’s educational journey? Call or visit an A Grade Ahead academy near you to get a free curriculum sample, take a free assessment, or sign up for a free trial class today!
Wrapping Up
Another good rule of thumb for activities is to make your child finish what they start. When things don’t go as expected or activities aren’t fun, some kids will beg their parents to quit. For parents, it can be tempting to appease children and allow them to stop. However, it is rarely a good idea to let your child quit an activity mid-way. Unless there is a medical or otherwise serious reason your child should quit, it’s always best to encourage them to finish what they start. This teaches perseverance and gives children the opportunity to view the whole picture before judging a situation.
Extracurricular activities play a major role in our kids’ lives and our lives. They help shape our children into young adults ready to take on college, the workforce, and life. At A Grade Ahead, we know the importance of preparing children for the future! Do you have school-age children participating in sports, music, or clubs? What activities are their favorites? Let us know in the comments below!
Author: Amanda Hutson, Curriculum Assistant at A Grade Ahead
