Extracurricular activities are great opportunities for students of all ages to learn new skills, discover their passions, and connect with others. With the extra time over the summer, it is an optimal time for students to try out new activities of interest. Not only do these keep students’ busy, but they also offer lifelong benefits. Here are five benefits to extracurricular involvement! 

#1: Improved Time Management Skills

Investing in a time commitment such as an extracurricular teaches vital time management skills. Learning to balance various obligations without getting overwhelmed can lead to more success during the school year. Time management allows students to be more productive with their limited time, a necessary skill to acquire for their education and future careers. 

#2: Enhanced Social Skills

Extracurricular activities allow students to engage with like-minded individuals outside the classroom setting. Children can interact with others who may not attend their school, therefore broadening their community and sharpening their social skills. Not only can students gain several new friendships out of this experience, but broadening social skills is also tied to the development of self-confidence. 

#3: Provides Stress Relief 

Many extracurriculars are a highly effective form of stress release for students. Activities such as sports, music, art, or social groups provide an outlet for children to decompress. Engagement in enjoyable activities is a helpful way to cope with anxiety and bring joy to students’ lives. Additionally, lower stress levels make students far more productive and engaged with their schoolwork, therefore enhancing academic success. 

#4: Stronger Work Ethic

Extracurriculars teach a tremendous amount of work ethic. Practicing a sport, instrument, or skill requires hard work to achieve desired results. Therefore, students learn at a young age the value and importance of working hard to accomplish goals. Additionally, children learn how to honor commitments they made, a necessary component of life. Also, extracurriculars often involve working on a team, teaching students valuable teamwork skills they will need for academics and future careers. 

#5: Opens Opportunities

Involvement in extracurriculars creates valuable opportunities for students. When the time comes to apply for colleges, extracurricular involvement can play a significant role in a university’s admission decision. The more involvement a student demonstrates, the more desirable candidate that student is for the university. Additionally, some extracurricular activities can lead to scholarship opportunities. Though your student may be a long way off from college applications, active involvement when at a young age translates into their high school years. 

This summer, encourage your student to try out new activities so they can experience the countless benefits extracurriculars provide. Come school time this fall, these benefits will translate into their academics, therefore building happier, more successful students.