9 Meaningful Extracurricular Activities For Kids That Will Develop Life Skills

Who had thought that we’ll all be stuck in such uncertain times? When things we always took for granted, would not be casual anymore. Where hugs would be distant and stepping out of home would be a luxury. The effects of the COVID 19 pandemic have impacted our little ones more than we realize.

On one side, they are living in a confused and scared world where they hear a lot but hardly understand. On the other, the ones who should be out and playing are now homebound, binge-watching, and junking away to glory. All Work and No Play makes Jack a Dull boy. We all have heard this over and over again for years, but has the saying gotten the thought it deserves? Have we as parents, or our parents or teachers emphasized enough on the importance of ‘play’ in the quote?

Hobbies and extracurricular activities are overly exciting and fun ‘things to do’ in a child’s dictionary. It instantly elevates the mood and gives them the window to feel free. Over the years, the word has been moulded to create different meanings. 

Playtime for kids can be wisely packaged in numerous types of kids’ activities, that not only adds fun but also builds creativity, aids imagination and discoveries. These activities are instrumental in developing life skills that draw the true potential of a child. They elevate the chances of learning more and exploring more about the kids’ strengths, interests, and abilities. 

We’ve got a few such extracurricular activities for kids that inculcate, teach and hone basic life skills that go a lot way in developing a child’s personality, adds to confidence, and prepares them for the real world. It’s the start of a road to new beginnings.

Check out how these extracurricular activities for kids can aid them with life skills:

1. The canvas of life

Fine arts are one of the first few activities that catch a child’s interest. They develop a child’s creative and artistic personality. Playing with colours and imagination encourages self-expression.

Extracurricular Activities For Kids - color pencils

2. Games, sports and more

Kids enjoy different sorts of games and sports, that, apart from building strength and improving reflexes, teach them how to work together and be part of a team. They teach leadership skills while helping develop patience and mutual respect that are extremely valuable life lessons. Board games like chess help children learn to work under stress, make decisions, and move towards a common goal.  This helps build self-esteem and overall confidence.

3. Rock n roll!

Dance comes in various forms, but each of them help improve motor skills, teach dedication, improve coordination, and develop patience needed to master a skill and reach a goal 

4. Sing and play along

Learning an instrument can teach children about long-term accomplishments that can manifest through hard work and practice. Music, in the way of singing or playing, can be a major stress buster and relieve anxiety.

5. Oh, so dramatic!

Acting goes a long way in developing confidence. It helps in doing away with stage fright. It is hugely beneficial for especially abled children. 

6. Breathe in breathe out!

Indulging in physical activity on a regular basis improves overall health and builds strength and stamina. Yoga and Meditation are very crucial in calming down a child’s mind. They help in relieving stress and anxiety and improve concentration in kids.

7. The love for books

There are no doubts about the numerous benefits of this one. Reading increases knowledge and improves vocabulary and social awareness. It builds strong opinions and gives the child confidence to stand by it and debate when required. 

Extracurricular Activities For Kids - Boy reading

8. Hello! Ciao! Bonjour!

Knowing multiple languages helps communicate better and boost self-confidence. It improves long term memory, helps process information better, and helps with multitasking skills

9. Let’s get creative

The world of craft is humungous. It pricks the creative minds of kids and they often come up with things that could surprise everyone around them. It helps them learn to work with means and use their imagination to create new things.

Extracurricular Activities For Kids - painting

To be involved in any one or more of these extracurricular activities for kids (and with them) not only occupies some of their free time, but it also teaches them valuable skills for life. 

Kidero is one such platform that offers numerous options to keep children constructively busy while adding to their skillset.

Studies have shown that children who are involved in extracurricular activities tend to perform better in academics and learn multiple skills than those who spend their maximum time using electronics and avoiding social situations. From time and stress management to teamwork and goal setting, activities can benefit kids in countless ways and help them discover their passions!

by Swati Mehra

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