How to choose extracurricular activities for your child

By Marta Prieto

Reading time: 0 minute

November 07, 2020

Contents

Introduction

How Extracurricular Activities Improve self-esteem

Extracurricular Activities Can Stimulate Student Development

What Are Your Child's Strengths And Weaknesses?

Introduction

As parents, we all want what’s best for our children. Choosing extracurricular activities that complement their education and personal growth can feel overwhelming. The options are endless: dance, soccer, music lessons, hobbies, clubs, and even extracurricular tutoring classes. Finding the right one is key to fostering your child’s interests and skills.

When done right, extracurriculars can spark your child's passions. They can love sports, hobbies, and even academic pursuits like language learning.But how do you make the best choice?

Discover effective ways on how to introduce Spanish to your child at home through play to make learning fun and engaging.

What Are Extracurricular Activities?

Extracurricular activities go beyond the standard school curriculum. They include sports, arts, clubs, and any school activity that boosts learning beyond regular classes. For instance, tutoring can reinforce classroom lessons. Sports and clubs provide chances for social and personal growth.

"Extracurricular" will help you find the best options for your child's unique needs and interests.

How Extracurricular Activities Boost Self-Esteem

Children who struggle academically or socially often face self-esteem challenges. Extracurricular activities allow kids to focus on their strengths rather than their weaknesses. This shift can build confidence and inspire them to try new things.

When your child excels in a school activity they enjoy, they feel a sense of accomplishment. This could be in sports, art, or a debate team. These positive experiences often translate into a greater willingness to tackle academic challenges.

How Extracurricular Activities Stimulate Development

Extracurricular activities are more than just fun; they play a vital role in student development. Research shows that participating in after-school programs improves academic performance. These activities teach skills like time management, organization, and teamwork. They can help students manage schoolwork and tutoring.

For example, if your child is learning Spanish, managing their time can help them be more disciplined. They should balance schoolwork and activities. Mastering an extracurricular activity builds confidence. It often helps in the classroom, boosting participation and problem-solving.

Examples of Extracurricular Activities That Enhance Growth:

Team sports
Individual sports
Creative arts
Clubs

What Are Some Extracurricular Activities in Middle School?

Middle school offers a wide variety of extracurricular activities to suit every child’s interests. Here are some popular examples:

Incorporating fun and educational Spanish games and activities for kids can make language learning an exciting part of their extracurricular experience.

Extracurricular activities examples like these help children explore their passions while building valuable skills for high school and beyond.

Tips for Choosing the Right Extracurricular Activity

Selecting the right extracurricular activity for your child is an important decision that can influence their growth and development. The best activities will match their strengths and interests. They should also build new skills, boost confidence, and improve grades. Here are some tips to guide you through the process of choosing the right extracurricular activities for your child.

Consider Their Interests

Talk to your child about what they enjoy doing in their free time, like hobbies or subjects they’re curious about. Whether it's soccer, music, a school club, or extracurricular tutoring, choosing something they’re excited about is important. When kids are passionate about an activity, they’re more likely to stick with it and enjoy the learning process.

Encouraging them to try different activities help them discover new interests and talents. If your child enjoys painting, a local art class or school art club might be a good fit. If they love reading or problem-solving, joining a book club or a coding workshop could be exciting options. The goal is to make sure the activity matches their current interests while allowing for growth and exploration.

Give Them a Say

One of the most important things you can do is give your child a say in choosing the activity. When kids feel they have a say in decisions about their lives, they are more invested in the outcome. This applies to extracurricular activities too. They commit to an activity that they have chosen themselves because it feels personal and meaningful to them.

While it’s important to guide them, make sure they understand that their voice matters. Share some options and let them weigh in on what interests them most. Giving them control over the decision also fosters responsibility and a sense of ownership.

Start with a Trial

Trying an activity before fully committing is a great way to see if it’s the right fit for your child. Many organizations and programs, like Comligo Spanish classes, offer free or low-cost trial sessions. This allows your child to experience what the activity is like without making a long-term commitment right away.

Trial sessions provide a low-pressure environment where your child can decide if they enjoy the activity. It also gives you a chance to observe how they react to the activity, whether it excites them or they lose interest quickly. This is especially helpful when it comes to extracurricular tutoring classes or new school activities. Starting with a trial gives both you and your child a better idea of what matches their expectations and needs.

Consult Their Teacher

Teachers can offer valuable insight into your child’s strengths, weaknesses, and interests. They spend a significant amount of time with your child and may have noticed skills or passions that your child hasn’t yet expressed. Teachers can also recommend specific extracurricular activities that may complement your child’s learning style.

For example, if your child is good at math but needs help with reading, a math club or tutoring could be helpful. If they’re interested in science, a science club or robotics workshop might be a great fit. Teachers can also recommend extracurricular activities that can boost your child’s learning and academic growth.

Encourage Exploration

Children often have many interests. They may want to try multiple activities. If your child loves soccer but also enjoys drawing or music, let them explore both.Just don't let it overwhelm their schedule.. The key is to balance extracurricular activities with enough downtime for rest and schoolwork.

Sometimes, children won’t know what they like until they try different things. Exploring various activities helps them build new skills. If your child enjoys both team sports and solo activities, let them try both to see what they enjoy most. Just make sure they have enough time to manage everything without getting overwhelmed.

Consider Their Strengths and Weaknesses

Take a moment to reflect on your child’s strengths and weaknesses. Some children may excel in creative pursuits, while others may thrive in physical activities or academic challenges. Choosing an activity that suits your child's strengths can boost their confidence and make it more rewarding. If your child has shown talent in a particular area, look for activities that will help them hone that skill.

At the same time, consider activities that can help them address areas where they may need improvement. For example, if your child struggles with focus, team sports like soccer or basketball can improve attention and coordination. If they have a hard time with public speaking, a drama or debate club can help build confidence and communication skills.

Avoid Overloading Your Child

While it’s tempting to fill your child’s schedule with numerous activities, overloading them can have negative effects. Too many activities can lead to stress, exhaustion, and burnout. It’s important to maintain a healthy balance and avoid making extracurricular activities feel like a chore.

Instead of piling on activities, focus on quality over quantity. It's better to commit to one or two activities your child enjoys. They should be able to fully engage with them. Don't stretch them too thin.Make sure there’s enough time for schoolwork, relaxation, and spending time with family and friends.

Stay Open to Adjustments

Sometimes, children may try an activity and realize it’s not as fun as they expected. This is normal. If your child isn’t enjoying it after giving it a fair try, be open to trying something else. Remember, their interests may change as they grow.

By staying involved and supporting their choices, you can help. You can help them find the right activity that fosters their growth and success.

Identifying Strengths and Weaknesses

Each child has unique strengths and weaknesses. Extracurricular activities provide a relaxed environment for children to build on their strengths and improve weaker areas. For example, a shy child might gain social skills from group activities. A child who struggles to focus could benefit from a structured tutoring program.

Activities that align with a child’s strengths will make them more likely to enjoy and stick with the activity. On the flip side, forcing a child into something they don’t like can lead to frustration and disengagement. Choose an extra academic activity or sport that feels natural and enjoyable for your child.

Activities That Help in High School

Extracurriculars in middle school can prep kids for high school and beyond. Sports, music, and clubs teach key skills. They build leadership, teamwork, and time management. These skills matter more as students advance in their studies.

Tutoring classes can boost grades and prepare students for future challenges. High school activities often build on earlier years. So, middle school is a great time to explore and experiment.

The Benefits of Extracurricular Activities

Here’s a summary of how extracurricular activities positively impact children:

Boost Self-Esteem
Improve Social Skills
Enhance Academic Performance
Encourage Discipline

Final Thoughts

Extracurricular activities are key to helping your child grow, build confidence, and succeed in school and life. Joining a sports team, exploring the arts, or attending clubs and tutoring can help your child. These activities can spark their passions and build life skills.

By choosing activities that match their interests and strengths, you can help your child become more confident and motivated. Activities outside the classroom teach valuable skills. They include teamwork, time management, and discipline. These skills prepare students for challenges in high school, college, and beyond.

The best extracurricular activities are both fun and meaningful. Encourage your child to try new things, explore their options, and focus on what makes them happy. If they’re unsure, let them experiment until they find something that excites them. A confident, happy child is more likely to excel in all areas of life.

Take the first step today! Comligo offers tailored programs to support your child's growth. These include tutoring and fun school activities. Help your child discover their potential and thrive with Comligo!