Learning does not translate only to what students/pupils are taught in the classroom. There are certain school activities that also play an important role in the development of young learners. These activities are referred to as co-curricular activities, and they are mandatory for every student to participate in.
Co-curricular activities have become a fundamental part of school life and aides in improving students learning at school. They are structured so that they try to balance what they are taught in the classroom so that they can enjoy a holistic learning experience.
Co-curricular activities are activities that take place outside the classroom but reinforce or supplement classroom curriculum in some way. They are ungraded and do not offer any form of academic credit, but they do provide complementary learning of some form. These activities include school sports, STEM & JETS clubs, chess clubs, talent shows, spelling bees, writing competitions, social occasions, Library activities, creative arts, and so on.
Co-Curricular Activities are beneficial for students in several ways. Let us see some of the benefits of extracurricular activities:
1. Development of Special Skills
Co-curricular activities improve the learning experiences of students and help them identify and develop their inner talents like creative & public-speaking skills, leadership qualities, etc. Co-curricular activities offer them an opportunity of thinking unusually and get innovative ideas of their own.
These activities help the students develop an enriched learning experience by providing them a chance of imagining new ways of solving an issue or answering a question.
2. Creates a Sense of Responsibility
When at an early stage of life, children are given tasks of responsibility to handle; they become much better at handling these types of odd situations in their later life too. This fosters a sense of responsibility & self-confidence within them.
3. Better Physical & Mental health
These types of activities require students to stay active by actively participating in some co-curricular activities. Since they have no chance to skip these as it’s a part of their daily curriculum. Studies have shown that students pursuing some or other hobbies get better results in their studies.
4. Exposure to New Activities
Students are introduced to a wide range of activities that give them better strength while letting them choose what they wish to learn and what they enjoy.
5. Create Opportunities
In this highly competitive world, better grades act as game changers while taking admissions to other higher institutions. Co-curricular activities provide better opportunities as students pursuing these activities are given more preference over those who aren’t involved in such types of activities.
Co-curricular activities in schools help students sharpen their communication skills, and public speaking, and also promote a sense of belongingness through different types of activities like debates, public speaking, art and craft competitions, classroom activities like reading, group discussions, and many more. This ultimately helps in developing their overall personality. Some students cannot outperform in the classroom, but they are also superb athletes, musicians, players, etc.
