The Southwest Voice

larger view

Reading, writing and arithmetic — all a child needs to be well rounded, right? Actually, the basic skills acquired in classrooms are just part of what kids need in today’s society. Extracurricular activities are a great way to discover hidden talents and abilities.

Getting involved in activities such as choir or band is a great way for kids to stretch their minds and learn to read music, which is another language of sorts. Studies show developing music skills assists in core academic classes like math. Getting involved in a school group helps children make new friends, especially for those who are shy and struggle with making friends at school. Finding common interests with others is a great way to build long and lasting friendships.

Activities such as volleyball, track and basketball are also great options for those who are competitive and enjoy being active. These types of activities are offered at the elementary level and through high school, and children can even pursue them in college. Also, these activities encourage kids to perform well in a chosen sport and also will encourage completing their schoolwork, which is a requirement to be eligible to play. By encouraging these types of activities, new doors open for kids.

With summer coming, many kids will be sitting at home with nearly nothing to do. What a perfect time to sign up for classes in acting, karate, or art. This is the time when one should start looking for summer activities. This could be the summer a child may discover a new interest that could possibly guide him or her toward a path they decide to follow in future years. Also, by enrolling them in summer activities, it will be less likely for them to fall into negative behaviors and activities, which would lead to far greater issues in the long run.

For some people, the added cost and travel time of extracurricular activities serves as a deterrent, and the fear that the time and money invested will not pay off because there may not be follow through on the part of the child. While these are thoughts that need to be considered, the cost and travel time will pay off when the child enjoys their success in their chosen activity. Families also need to set high expectations so children know what their responsibilities are once they commit to their chosen activity.

The point is this: there are so many possibilities in this society. As kids grow older, they have many opportunities to try different things. The more exposure they receive to positive activities, the more likely they are to find what makes them happy and ultimately will encourage them to find new activities on their own as they mature.