The Best Extracurricular Activities for Kids to Try This School Year

Going back to school means more than attending classes and doing homework. Extracurricular activities are essential in helping children develop their passions and have fun during the school year. They also allow children to make friends and relieve stress while doing something they enjoy, whether it be sports or arts.

Here are some extracurricular activities to consider for your child this year.

1. Community or School Sports

Sports give children multiple opportunities to grow. They can figure out which activities feel most exciting while developing cooperation and teamwork skills they’ll use for the rest of their lives. Try finding community-based or school sports for your children this school year. Whether they play basketball, softball or soccer, they’ll continue their personal growth outside class.

2. Academic Clubs

Some kids don’t enjoy rigorous sports. If your children can’t find a physical activity they love, introduce them to academic clubs. They might feel more engaged with other young people practicing chess, debate or photography. Exploring various opportunities is the only way to find out which extracurriculars are best for your child’s unique interests.

3. Art Programs

Getting involved in the arts opens doors for young people. They’ll make friends and build their self-confidence while practicing self-expression. Hobbies like painting, singing and acting require emotional reflection that channels into your child’s art. That’s why art programs are some of the best extracurricular activities.

Modern arts programs may even use technology to establish creative spaces for kids. When used correctly, technology can help kids express themselves rather than serving a single purpose, such as computing or researching. Sketching on a tablet or hosting a virtual art show is an excellent way to develop a child’s sense of self-expression.

4. Volunteer Organizations

Young children might not be old enough to volunteer by themselves, but you can always get the family involved in your community. Spend your after-school hours with the local park service, a food bank or a library event. Your children will help in whatever ways they can while watching you model what service looks like.

Volunteering at a young age also gives children a better understanding of the world. All they know is their home life, their classroom and their friends. If they see how people need help and how others assist them, they’ll learn about what it means to give back. They’ll feel more selfless and devoted to their community, which feeds into how they interact with their hometown no matter where they live in adulthood.

5. Local Clubs

Browse local clubs to find more of the best extracurricular activities for kids. Your child could join the Boy Scouts, the Girl Scouts or volunteer book clubs. There might even be more niche sports opportunities, like a disc golf club for middle schoolers. You’ll find these clubs through the websites of local organizations and social media groups. See what’s available where you live to present your kids with options for their after-school activities.

If you’re worried about your child joining a club that doesn’t have a direct effect on their grades, don’t worry. Experts note that joining any extracurricular group improves a child’s academic performance, school-related aspirations and view of education as a whole. As long as they’re involved in something they enjoy that builds their confidence, they’ll develop the mental strength they need to push through challenges at school.

6. Student Government

Many elementary and middle schools have some form of student government program. Kids don’t necessarily need to know how the government works because they can’t vote, but that doesn’t mean they can’t start learning about it. Student government organizations translate the complexities of governing into activities that are easy for kids to understand.

Your child might love becoming a representative of their class or grade. They’ll learn how to work with other student representatives to create events. Kids participate in voting to make decisions and practice communication skills while reviewing each meeting’s agenda with other kids.

Student government could inspire your child to take on leadership roles in their future schools and workplaces. See if their current school offers this kind of extracurricular to discuss the possibility with your kid.

Explore New Extracurricular Activities This Year

After you learn about the best extracurricular activities for young kids, it’s easier to present options the next time your family sits down for dinner. Pitch ideas like trying a new sport, getting involved in the arts or volunteering together. Whatever activities your child likes or dislikes, they’ll build skills that help them succeed throughout their lives.

About the Author:  Cora Gold is the Editor-in-Chief of women’s lifestyle magazine, Revivalist. She strives to live a happy and healthy life with her family by her side.
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