It’s Not Just Child’s Play: Reasons to Support Extracurricular Activities in Schools

Authors note: Originally written for a persuasive speech assignment for my toastmaster's club. Decided to post it here since I liked the message.

What do you remember most about high school?  Do you remember how to solve a differential equation?  Can you recite the Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner? Or do you most remember most the hours spent in Chess Club or running with the Track Team? For many people, the most important lessons learned in high school weren’t related to standardized tests or required curriculum.  For many people the most important lessons were learned in math club, in marching band or on the basketball court.

As the economy grows tighter, school boards search for ways to cut their budgets.  Often, the first programs slashed are extracurricular activities.  Maybe it’s the name “extra” that leaves the impression these pursuits are not important.

In real life, by the time we are in the work force, most of us have forgotten the essential causes of the War of 1812 and we can’t recall how to diagram a sentence.  Instead, what we remember, and use every day, are the life lessons we learned from other pursuits - like in glee club and soccer.  Lessons like leadership, teamwork, dedication and perseverance. 

Extracurricular activities are not child’s play.  They are an essential part of education for four key reasons.

Reason One: Academics.  Studies show that students who are involved in extracurricular activities have higher grade point averages and score better on standardized tests.   One study of a southern California high school in 2005-06 found that tenth graders involved in music or athletics had higher GPAs and better standardized math and English scores than those who were not.  

Reason Two: Life Lessons.  Students involved in extracurricular activities learn important life skills that aren’t taught in the classroom.  For example, being involved in extracurricular activities means kids learn to balance a variety of competing interests and develop solid time management skills.   In addition, they learn to be responsible to a team or work group and to deal with situations where another team member isn’t pulling their weight. Finally, whether it’s spearheading a fundraiser or being captain of the cheerleading squad, students are challenged to take on leadership roles.  

Reason Three: Lower Drop Out Rates.  Among students identified as being at risk for dropping out of school, the risk of dropping out is less for kids who are involved in extracurricular programs. One study from Montana State University found that participation in extracurricular activities had a profound impact on dropout rates.  Put simply, extracurricular programs keep kids in school.

Reason Four: Higher Self Esteem.  Students involved in extracurricular programs report having higher self esteem than their peers, which translates into better success all around.  Maybe it’s because these students have the pride that comes with doing something they are good at.  Or maybe it’s because they feel like they belong.  Either way, the result is lower truancy, less incidents of behavioral problems, and lower incidents of drug and alcohol abuse.

Why do extracurricular activities have such a profound impact or student behavior and performance? There are a couple of theories.  One is that kids involved in extracurricular activities have less time to be delinquent.  Another is that the environment surrounding extracurricular programs models positive behaviors and values.

 

So, what does this all mean? Extracurricular programs are not frills –they are an essential part of learning.  And taking away extracurricular programs may mean decreasing your school’s educational excellence.

And now that you know the benefits of extracurricular programs, what can you do?  Remind your school board that despite the word "extra", these programs are as important to creating our children's future as algebra and geometry.  Remind them that it's not child's play.