Extracurricular Activities

Considering the Options

Extracurricular activities can be sourced directly through schools, or at the district or board level. Parents and children might also consider checking local newspapers, community centers, and active parent associations for offerings. It takes time to carefully and discerningly network online venues, but this approach, too, can yield extracurricular possibilities. With a bit of creativity and a resourceful attitude, there is no limit to the types of extracurricular involvement children might envision, tap into, and enjoy. Options include but are not limited to the following:

• Music—playing an instrument or participating in a choir, band, or other ensemble
• Physical activity—gymnastics, sports, martial arts
• Theater—costumes, make-up, clowning, script development, lighting, sets, puppetry
• Art—painting, sculpture, photography
• Crafts—woodworking, pottery, quilting, model-building, jewelry design
• Writing—stories, poems, articles
• Robotics—design, development
• Performance—dance, song, comedy
• Leadership opportunities—tutoring, interest groups, religious and community organizations
• Clubs—chess, astronomy, cooking, computers

Extracurricular activities can serve as a bridge between the sterility of the more “official” school milieu and the vitality of real-life learning. However, there are important preparatory matters and other factors to keep in mind. Parents (and teachers) should listen carefully to a child's opinions about activities, and respect his or her personality, concerns, viewpoints, time constraints, and preferences. Consider, too, the advantages of any one activity relative to expense, expectations, and distance from home and school. The activity's social atmosphere should align comfortably with how the child functions, whether independently, in pairs, or in small or large groups. Are special learning needs accommodated? High-level development cuts across cognitive, affective, social, and behavioral domains and areas of experience, and thus, a child's learning profile should be considered. Accelerated programs may be advantageous. Think about what is new, interesting, potentially useful, and career oriented. And, can possibilities be combined? Some children thrive when they are given multiple opportunities to be actively involved in the world around them, whereas others relish a [Page 345]chance to have quiet time for reflection, reading, or relaxation. Overprogramming children can be counterproductive. A schedule that is overwhelming or that demands constant juggling can compromise a child's well-being. Too much out-of-class activity can lead to stress and fatigue, and threaten healthy productivity and family harmony.

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