Are Your Children Signed Up for Extra Curricular Activities?

Are Your Children Signed Up for Extra Curricular Activities?

Are Your Children Signed Up for Extra Curricular Activities?

If you ask many parents, the answer is probably YES!. But are your children participating in extra curricular activities or ‘Extra Academic Activities’? Hold on, I’m making a point here. I had a parent call me to say she wasn’t sure Nigerian parents would sign up to a facility that didn’t provide extra lessons and help with academic work after school. After that conversation, I felt really sad for kids.

Why Children Need Extracurricular Participation

Research has shown that the best predictor of future success is a sense of self esteem. Extracurricular participation should be based on activities that are developmentally appropriate for each child and should provide children with the opportunity to develop special skills outside of academia. This will in turn build their self esteem and enhance the school experience. [READ: Teach Children To Be Victorious]

Parents should pay attention to their children’s interests from a young age. This will inform their choice of extracurricular activities that their child may be interested in.

Picture: Scoil Eoin
Picture: Scoil Eoin

If you are not sure what activities to register your child for, teachers are also a great resource to determine what activities are best for your child. They might have insight to what core skills your child needs to build outside of the classroom.

When children participate in programs which are of their interest, and they perform well, this gives them confidence. On the other hand undue pressure creates anxiety and an aversion to the activity. If your child is old enough, allow them the freedom to choose activities of interest. In turn, this can motivate them to look forward to the activity. The objective is a well rounded, happy child with lots of self esteem and confidence to face challenges and the future with optimism. [READ: Importance of Extra Curricular Activities]

My next article will list the benefits of a selection of extracurricular activities.

 

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nimzEnimien Nimz Inegbedion is an experienced Montessori trained educationist who shares important information through her write-ups. Nimz is currently the director at Arcadia Montessori, a Montessori school in Victoria Island located at 240a Kofo Abayomi, V.I. She is passionate about Montessori education and is committed to make a difference in every child’s life.

Children will find Arcadia Montessori School a happy, friendly, and challenging place. In conjunction with a robust Montessori and EYFS curriculum, their after school activities include reading and role play, arts and crafts, cooking, french, photography, music and dance and a mummy and me class daily!

 

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