Extracurricular Activities for Elementary-School Students

As a parent, you're probably well aware that there are numerous benefits to allowing your child to participate in after-school activities. Extracurricular activities not only give your child a chance to relieve some pent-up stress, but they also encourage her to make new friends, learn new skills, and participation in physical exercise.

Extracurricular Activities for Kids in Grade School

Children enrolled in elementary school can usually handle around three to four activities per week. You may be able to find a variety of activities to choose from, depending on your child's interests. Below is a list of some extracurricular activities for elementary students.

• Sports. Enrolling your child in sports-related activities, including dance, soccer, basketball, softball, and a host of other activities, will obviously help your child engage in physical exercise. Participating in physical exercise will help her alleviate stress, build self-esteem, and stay physically healthy. Additionally, your child can learn to be part of a team and learn the attributes that a good teammate possesses.
• Music. Students that take music lessons for a year increase their IQ an average of two points over students who do not, as reported in the Monitor of Psychology. Children will also learn valuable time management skills as they learn to juggle practice sessions, not only at school, but at home.
• Martial Arts. Children who study martial arts, whether it is karate or tae kwon do, learn mental and physical discipline. Martial arts promote physical wellness through building muscles, coordination, and balance. On the other hand, mental stability may be achieved through breathing and energy manipulation exercises that are often an important part of martial arts training.
• Volunteering. You and your child can volunteer at a community organization that she believes in. This will help your child understand that everyone can make a difference, no matter her age. Your child will also learn that she is part of a larger community and that everyone should lend their support and help to a cause they believe in.

Extracurricular activities are a way for your child to feel as if she belongs to something. Activities also encourage mental and emotional growth and will provide your child with a healthy outlet to relieve her stress. Encourage your child to be part of group that promotes her interests.