Extracurricular Activities

By Andrew Oechsner

Raise your hand if you played a sport as a kid

Studies have shown that just over 50% of kids play at least one sport ("Youth Sports Facts: Participation rates," n.d.).

Raise your hand if you play a sport now

For one reason or another, many of us have stopped playing sports as we have grown up, why is this?

Raise your hand if you miss playing sports

If your hand is up, share your favorite sports memory in the box below.

Shared Memories

During my first ever basketball game I scored on the wrong hoop. -Andrew

Playing travel softball was such a highlight of my childhood that I will forever be grateful to my parents for allowing me to play -Samantha

Playing high school soccer was the best time of my life-Isaiah

Learning Targets

Define extracurricular activities.
Explain why students should want to participate in extracurricular activities.
Explain why teachers should want students to participate in extracurricular activities.

What Are Extracurricular Activities?

Extracurricular activities are structured programs that are not part of the school curriculum. This includes sports, clubs, and even jobs (“Extracurricular activities: life outside the classroom,” n.d.). The list of extracurricular activities is endless and there is certain to be something for everyone to enjoy. These programs are designed to create a safe environment in which students can express themselves surrounded by peers who have common interests. No one is forced to attend these programs; it is 100% voluntary. Due to this, students are excited to participate in extracurricular activities. Extracurriculars teach students important life skills such as teamwork, discipline, responsibility, and time management (Massoni, 2011).

Why should students want to participate in extracurricular activities?

There are many benefits for students who participate in extracurricular activities. These programs allow students to grow socially and academically. Students who participate in extracurriculars have an improved mindset on school. They can also build one’s confidence, making the student more comfortable in class. On top of that, extracurriculars allow students to grow socially. These programs make it easier for students to make new friends because those who participate in the same extracurricular activity will likely have similar interests (“Top 8 benefits of extracurricular activities in high school,” n.d.). Extracurricular activities can also benefit students in the future as they apply for jobs and colleges. The more involved a student is in school, the more they can put on their resumes. Colleges look for students who are active in programs outside of the classroom (“Extracurricular activities: life outside the classroom,” n.d.). Extracurricular activities benefit students in more ways than most realize.

Why should teachers promote extracurricular activities?

Teachers should encourage students to participate in extracurricular activities because it benefits everyone. Students who participate in extracurriculars have improved attitudes. Extracurriculars such as sports teach discipline and give students responsibilities (Massoni, 2011). This improved mindset is reflected in their schoolwork. A study was conducted to test the effects of extracurricular activities on school performance. 222 students from 12 schools, half of them participating in extracurricular activities, were studied and the results showed that those who participated in extracurriculars performed better in school (Moriana et al., 2006). These lasting effects of extracurriculars make the teacher's job easier as the students become more engaged in the class. If not for the students, teachers should promote extracurricular activities for themselves.

Reflection & Conclusion

Coming from someone who grew up playing sports year-round, I am a big supporter of extracurricular activities. I feel like these extracurriculars have taught me a lot of life lessons and made me the person I am today. In school, I was always very disciplined and focused. As Massoni (2011) said, students who participate in extracurriculars come to class with a better attitude, ready to learn. Arguably the most important of all, I met my closest friends playing sports. The friendships that will last a lifetime are more valuable to me than anything else. I am proof that extracurricular activities benefit students and there are millions of other people out there with the same story. I encourage both students and teachers to get involved in extracurriculars as it is certain to improve your way of life. Whether it is a sport, club, student government, or tutoring, I can promise you will feel better about yourself after doing so. Of course, there are negatives to everything. Some extracurriculars cost money or have a risk of injury, and most of all they require time (Tuttle, 2019). However, I believe the positives are far greater than the negatives.

(Me and the Ocean Lakes varsity soccer team after winning a tournament in 2019.)

POP QUIZ!

Which of the following are an example of an extracurricular activity?

A. Soccer team

B. Student council

C. Debate team

D. All of the above

A new student is having a hard time making friends in class, what should she do?

A. Sleep in class

B. Sit alone during lunch

C. Join the basketball team

D. Transfer to another school

(Answers located below references)

References

Extracurricular activities: life outside the classroom. n.d. ASVAB Career Exploration Program. Retrieved January 29, 2022, from https://www.asvabprogram.com/media-center-article/56#:~:text=Also%20known%20as%20extra%2Dacademic,all%20complement%20an%20academic%20curriculum.

Massoni, E. (2011). Positive effects of extracurricular activities on students. Essai, 9(1), 27.

Moriana, J. A., Alós, F., Alcalá, R., Pino, M. J., Herruzo, J., & Ruiz, R. (2006). Extra-curricular activities and academic performance in secondary students. Electronic Journal of Research in Educational Psychology, 4(1), 35-46.

Top 8 benefits of extracurricular activities in high school. n.d. Crimson Education. Retrieved January 29, 2022, from https://www.crimsoneducation.org/us/blog/extracurriculars/benefits-of-extracurricular-activities/

Tuttle, E. (2019). The negatives of extracurricular activities for children. Current Artisan. Retrieved January 29, 2022, from https://www.currentartisan.com/negatives-of-extracurricular-activities/

Youth Sports Facts: Participation rates. The Aspen Institute Project Play. (n.d.). Retrieved March 14, 2022, from https://www.aspenprojectplay.org/youth-sports/facts/participation-rates

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