The Importance Of Extracurricular Activities In High School

A study published in 2007 focused on “high poverty high schools,” where at least half the students were on free or reduced lunch, it showed that the students that did not participate in extracurricular activities graduated from high school 69 percent of the time while students who did participate in extracurricular activities graduated 82.7 percent of the time (“Extracurriculars Boost High School Graduation Rates”). Furthermore students who participate in sports or extracurricular activities compared to those who do not participate or who have not been involved in extracurricular activities show; higher grades and attainment, improved personal confidence and self esteem, greater connections with school, attachments and support from adults,

In the United States, 57 percent of high school students participate in at least one kind of extracurricular activity (Bureau UC). Through extracurricular activities, youth have opportunities to develop very important life skills. Through participating in an activity that requires time outside of the normal school hours, students can learn to manage their time more efficiently. They must also develop rigorous study habits to perform well in the classroom as well as in their chosen activity or activities. Through team oriented activities and clubs, students must learn to work with others and attain interpersonal skills, along with a solid work ethic. Such activities provide a different type of environment than the classroom provides, and help them to become comfortable in various situations. There are many proven benefits when teens participate in extracurricular activities; such benefits include improved physical well-being, higher self-esteem, academic excellence, important social skills, and preparation to succeed not only school, but other settings as well.

When most people think of band, football, photography, and chess club they do not believe that these programs will teach more than how to throw a ball or how to play B flat on an instrument, but that is untrue. There have been many studies done on the effectiveness extracurricular activities (ECAs) have on students, and how these activities produce miraculous outcomes and can be the foundation for the academic excellence of a student. Taxes are so high in our country, and many schools have cut after school programs because of budget expenses, which students will benefit immensely from ECAs throughout their lives because it raises the graduation rate, broadens student’s

Although many theorists criticize that the extracurricular activities takes valuable time from the family, relaxation and leisure time, especially sport participation requires more and more time due to its increase in competiveness and amount of practice (Melman et al., 2008; Shaw et al., 1996 in Fredericks, 2012). In Fredericks study (2012), the unique time requirement in sports participation is explained as an enforcer to develop even stronger relationships, better refinement of the skills and most importantly more conscientiousness. The media concentrates on the highly involved students, which make approximately 3-6% of the entire high school student body, that clock in over 20 h per week, whereas the average of students participates 7-8 h per week in afterschool program, which means they stay for less then 1.5 h more after school (Fredericks, 2012). Paradoxically, according to Mahoney et al. (2006 in Fredericks, 2012) actually the most involved students, at least 20 h/per week, showed better capability in adjusting to the academically and psychological demands. These results are only applicable to a very few amount of students and not to the majority of the American population.

Extracurricular activities also affects the student’s behavior. In the article Positive Effects of Extra Curricular Activities on Students by Erin Massoni, she said that extracurricular activities reduce behavioral problems of students. The reason is because from their activities, they learn to value and take pride in their accomplishments. This leads to self-respect, a higher self-esteem, and confidence. Also, when students have activities after school, which is more or less at three o’clock, they are less likely to commit violent

Play less and study more! Due to global increase in competition, kids today are forced to achieve very high grades or secure very high percentages. Students are so worried about grades and position that neither they have anytime for themselves nor for any extracurricular activities. They suffer from several disorders such as depression and emotional disorders. Academic subjects and extra-curricular activities complement each other and develop a well-rounded, socially skilled, and healthier student. There are so many possible extra-curricular activities that each student can choose one those appeals to him or her personality. Extra-curricular activities help to develop the whole student

This can be true to some students, but can also not be true to others. Most students will still be able be involved in extracurricular activities and perform later in school if they have the responsibility to maintain good grades, stay healthy, and get enough sleep.

High School is a very stressful experience in most teenagers’ lives. High school gives us a very packed schedule as it is, but when you add an after school activity or a job on top of it, it seems as if we do not have time for much else.

However, extracurricular activities can also be a strain on your life. Getting into college is so competitive recently, leading to high schoolers will doing everything they can to better their chances of being accepted including more and more extracurricular activities. Extracurricular activities are anything outside of mandatory schooling, this includes clubs, sports, and religious life. Even though extracurricular activities are almost required to be viewed as a well rounded student, the time and requirements of college applications and scholarships can be hard to manage. Adolescents who do extracurricular activities tend to never be fully committed to their school work. Let's take Patricia for example, Patricia is an AP student, HOSA member, Beta member, and student-athlete. Patricia will not be fully committed to her studies, her clubs, or her sport because she does not have enough time to excel in everything. All of these extracurricular activities that Patricia is involved in are stressing her out. This stress can allow Patricia to engage in negligent decisions that will result in her not being able to participate in any of these

The school rule “students must partake in extracurricular activity” is a significant disturbance to students whom are in their final year of secondary education. Extracurricular activities such as sports day and compulsory sport for the school produces an inconvenience to senior students whom have hoards of assignments to complete and tests to revise for. A better alternative to this rule would be to provide senior students the option of partaking in extracurricular activities if they wish to do so. This provides senior students with hours of extra free time in which they will be able to complete assignments and study for tests. In addition, the work load in year 12 is already a struggle for students to juggle and the addition of extracurricular

The combination of academics, athletic activities, and extracurricular activities has played an enormous role on my own highschool experience. Now, I cannot say it was all butterlies and rainbows, but also seemed to torment my everyday life.

Even though extra curricular activities aren’t a requirement to graduate high school, they are crucial for a student's success. In the article “Academic Value of Non Academic: The Case For Keeping Extracurriculars”, the author, June Kronholz, talks about the debate that schools are facing of whether or not keep all of the after school activities.

Junior high students that have massive amounts of homework “have less time to spend with their families and friends” (Thompson). Many junior high students “were more likely to drop activities, not see friends or family, and not pursue hobbies they enjoy” (Stanford) . Every middler schoolers dream is to make the A team whether it is in basketball or volleyball. Teachers and coaches push the students to get involved in different activities at school. These extra curricular activities teaches them a lot of new skills they many not know causing stress on the student to learn the skill. However, studies show that many junior high students are not getting involved to the excessive amount of homework being served each night. “While many children do well with less organized extra- curricular activities, it is very important to main one or two to keep balance in their lives” (Cordz).

According to recent surveys, about two-thirds of American high school students participate in one or more extracurricular activities, although participation rates vary greatly from school to school.

It is important for adolescents to participate in extracurricular activities. Student who participate in these activities improve their academic scores and social life. Extracurricular activities can also help reduce many peer pressure related problems. “They enrich the lives of the students, their families and our communities. These activities create well rounded children who learn what their interests and talents are because they have been exposed to such opportunities” (Extracurricular Activities, Blogadmin). For most adolescents extracurricular activities should be required among what they do outside of school.