By Brian Johnston
body+soul.com.au
01-21-2012
XTRACURRICULAR activities help children of all ages.
Is your child likely to thrive learning the jive, or have fun on the footy field?
There is a huge range of extracurricular activities run by schools across Australia, from traditional offerings such as sport and music to specialist clubs such as snowsports and robotics.
Many studies show such activities are important for childhood development, helping kids explore their physical, social and creative sides with those who share similar interests.
“Extracurricular activities give your child a chance to try a range of activities and explore where his or her strengths lie,” says Charissa Feng from www.raisingchildren.net.au. “They can boost your child’s self-esteem and confidence and reduce problem behaviour.”
For teens, extracurricular activities also look good on CVs, demonstrating that job applicants are motivated, well rounded and socially engaged.
Corey Blomfield, of the School of Psychology at Murdoch University, says adolescent participation in structured extracurricular activities has been associated with numerous benefits.
“It is linked to better academic achievement, higher academic aspirations and less risky behaviours such as alcohol and drug use, or dropping out of school.”
Here’s what specific extracurricular activities might do for your children.
>> Music
+ Expect: An hour a week in a structured class, plus practice time at home. Not a cheap option, so your child will need to understand this is an ongoing commitment.
+ Benefits: Learning a musical instrument provides emotional expression and creativity, but it also has a surprising effect on academic performance, perhaps because it encourages better memory skills, discipline and concentration.
Studies have shown music helps with reading and maths and can improve student behaviour.
>> Sport
+ Expect: At least two hours’ commitment a week, more if your child is in a team that competes at weekends. Equipment for some sports may be costly.
+ Benefits: “Exercise can protect against obesity and anxiety, and can improve posture, sleep, concentration and self-esteem,” says former Victorian chief health officer Dr John Carnie.
“Encouraging kids to be active also establishes a routine that could stay with them throughout their life.”
Students involved in sport are also more likely to complete year 12.
>> Performing arts
+ Expect: Time commitments vary widely depending on the nature of the drama groups. Productions may require evening and weekend practise and performances.
+ Benefits: “Performing arts are a vehicle not only to entertain children but to give them hands-on benefits such as self-confidence and communication skills,” says Jessica McDonald from Focus Performing Arts in Victoria.
>> Chess
+ Expect: Few overhead costs and no need for special venues are an advantage. Social chess is casual, but children should realise playing competitive chess requires discipline.
+ Benefits: “Chess can strengthen problem-solving skills and enhance reading, memory, language and mathematical abilities,” says Peter Dauvergne, a chess master and former University of Sydney professor.
“It also provides practise at making accurate and fast decisions under time pressure, a skill that can help improve exam scores at school.”
>> Scouts and guides
+ Expect: Annual or quarterly membership fees (about $300) and uniform expenses, plus weekly meetings and additional outings.
+ Benefits: “Children learn independent thinking, social interaction, leadership skills, problem solving and responsibility,” says Natasha Omar, spokeswoman for Scouts Australia.
Participation in organisations such as the scouts, cadets or girl guides also appears to have positive effects on student performance in maths and general knowledge.
>> Language clubs
+ Expect: Foreign-language social groups may take just an hour a week, but more structured study is an ongoing commitment.
+ Benefits: Increased ability to communicate, increased creativity and cognitive ability and an advantage in employment.
“Language education contributes to the preparation of students for their futures in a multicultural society,” says former teacher Jane Zemiro, co-author of the French learning series Tapis Volant.
>> Community activities
+ Expect: Activities might include anything from youth radio to getting involved in surf lifesaving or volunteering at retirement homes. Serious commitment is required.
+ Benefits: “Teenagers can come into contact with positive adult role models other than their parents, encouraging them to see the world in different ways and put their own values in a wider context,” Feng says. “It is also an opportunity to develop skills.”