Extracurricular Kids' Activities
Outside the traditional school day, a wide range of extracurricular activities can be available to children: sports, drama, music and many others. Because of the importance of these activities to the full learning environment, many educators prefer to label them as "cocurricular.''
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Important Benefits
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Extracurricular activities help kids learn about teamwork, leadership and discipline. By taking part in these activities beyond the school day, children will realize they are doing something special. They can have fun with their friends, meet new people, build social and physical skills and learn new tasks. In addition, after-school programs may keep students from venturing into dangerous areas such as alcohol and drug use.
Sports
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Learning the basics of a sport is usually an exciting adventure for children, parents and coaches. Activities range from team sports such as basketball, baseball and football to individual sports such as tennis, gymnastics and ice skating. Be certain that the organization behind the activity you choose for your child is well organized and always keeps safety in the forefront.
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The Arts
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Many children have an affinity for the arts, whether it is painting, sculpting, dancing, singing or drama. As in sports, teamwork and discipline are important facets of setting and reaching goals. For some children, trying different activities may help them choose one or two that they truly love. Participating will help kids become more socially aware and build their self-esteem.
Math, Science and Beyond
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Some children are drawn to a specific area of study, and pursuing these through extracurricular activities can be a valuable part of the educational environment. Kids who love to write may choose to join the school newspaper or yearbook staff. Foreign-language, chess, debate and astronomy clubs are just a few options for students to pursue their passion.
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- Photo Credit kids playing football image by sonya etchison from Fotolia.com
