Balancing Extracurricular activities with Schoolwork - By  Kaylee Liu (8)

Lately, there have been concerns on how junior high students can handle finishing a big project that is due the very next day while needing to attend a sports game or performance the day before. Well, how can students be able to finish all their schoolwork while also being available for any extracurricular activities they have outside of school? Let us take a closer look at the problems, solutions, and many more experiences that most students may face with balancing out activities outside of school with any school related assignments they may have. 

Many students experience stress about finishing a difficult school assignment which may cause them to miss sports or music practice on the same day. This conflict will only grow worse in high school with more homework, AP classes, and more stressful situations that teenagers may go through. According to a recent 2025 report, Imed Bouchrika, the Co-founder and Chief Data Scientist of Research.com states that 21% of teenagers regularly undergo stress when participating in extracurricular activities while 61% of students strive to achieve acceptable grades in junior high school. Stress levels have been shown to lower students’ school performance, self-esteem, and contribute to depression. These effects  may be seen when participating in extracurricular activities such as music classes, foreign language programs, and voluntary services. These activities seem like a lot more than one student alone can handle, but students can easily adapt to them over time depending on which age they start. Adapting can make it easier for students since they tend to have more time and knowledge on various subjects. However, one skill not dependent on experience which can be learned at any age is time management. 

Time management skill is the ability to handle one’s time effectively or productively, and can include work hours as an adult. Being able to manage and keep an organized work schedule can benefit people a lot, especially grown-ups, due to the substantial number of meetings and interviews they might have to attend. This skill can also be applied to students’ school schedules and other activities they may participate in outside of school. I, for example, play on a softball team and attend practice about two times a week. My parents help with managing any of my softball related updates so that I can focus on my schoolwork and grades in the meantime. I also attend a Chinese Language program outside of school during the weekends so that it is easier for me to focus on my schoolwork and softball practices during the weekdays. Since high school is approaching, many 8th grade students will have more opportunities to participate in activities held within the school gates before, during, and even after school hours. However, high school students might need more time to finish any homework assignments as a result. A report from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) states that high school students have about an average of 6.8 hours of homework per week. Despite this crucial piece of information, extracurricular activities are still  beneficial for students who are interested in playing on a high school sports team, taking music classes, participating in any given language programs, or being involved in so many more activities available.

There are many questions on what matters most, extracurricular activities or schoolwork? Well, I recommend putting your school grades before any activities you may have outside of school first. Focusing on your grades will not only help navigate your way through high school, but it will help you focus on good study habits as well. You can participate in any activities outside of school if you continue to keep your grades up. Just enjoying the sport or activity, without having it seem like an everlasting chore compared to schoolwork since it is supposed to serve as an interest, can help take your mind off any school-related homework or tests. 

In conclusion, students can balance out extracurricular activities with their schoolwork given the time management skill they need. If any students seek help or assistance, they can go to a guidance counselor, parent or guardian, or teacher if needed. There are even more helpful programs at Canyon Hills Junior High School such as an AVID program during school hours which helps prepare students for college and a Homework Help Club before school to assist students in completing any homework or assigned projects. There are also some helpful tips below for students who need help getting started with managing their school schedules and being available for any extracurricular activities they hope to take part in. 

Tips: 

• Keep and write on sticky notes you may carry 

• Keep a neat, organized schedule with notable events labeled 

• Notify your parent to cancel something if falling behind on a project or assignment 

• Check schoolwork and updated practice times with parents or guardians 

• Email teachers if absent (Important performance, injured from a recent game, etc.) 

• Complete homework before a class or sports practice after school hours 

• Keep yourself active and healthy