Extracurricular activities or co-curricular activities are the ones that one can perform in addition to the normal course of study or the curriculum. Since anything beyond the normal curriculum is indeed an umbrella term, the dimensions of extracurricular activity are indeed vast. These activities may include sports, art, music, dance, martial arts and so on and so forth. What is essential to realize is that the absence of extracurricular activities might lead to incomplete development of a kid.

The importance of these activities can be gauged from the age-old adage, “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.”

When it comes to highlighting the importance of extracurricular activities in the life of a student there are numerous advantages which can be broadly categorized into the aspects listed below.

Improved Academic Performance

These activities can help children learn new skills and simultaneously improve their academic performance which is generally given relatively more importance by parents. Research has shown that kids who are encouraged to and actually participate in these set of activities tend to display better academic records.

Learning Additional Skills

In addition to just bettering their grades, they also learn certain skills, to say, oratory skills by being part of debating and speech events. Moreover, performing these activities can make them express themselves well and enhance their self-confidence. Participating in group activities can enhance the leadership skills and team spirit and coordination abilities.

Greater Opportunities

It has often been seen that while reviewing the background and performance of students for admission into any institution or organization, general preference is given to students who have edge in academic as well as extracurricular activities over the ones only with good academic record. Thus, participation in these activities displays the necessary social and soft skills that are expected to be in a well-performing individual.

Productive use of time and break from boredom

It is not humanly possible to study all the time hence it is necessary to have breaks wherein one can do certain things that interest him or her. Extracurricular activities are the answer to the energetic and interesting breaks amidst studying that can rekindle the energy and help to focus better.

Solution to disinterest in conventional career opportunities

It cannot be denied that this generation has been showing highly varied interests as career opportunities. Therefore, extracurricular activities can actually serve as the foundation for students who would like to have a career different from the core conventional ones. Participating in these activities can enhance their talent and aptitude in the concerned sector. Thus, while extracurricular activities are generally seen as a dilution of the time that can be invested in studying these actually boost performance in all aspects and also add on to the skills that are essential for all-round development and fine personality. Hence, extracurricular activities can be seen as the ‘extra' that needs to be done in order to add ‘extra’ to the ordinary.