Extra Curricular Activities - An Approach Towards Holistic Development

Beyond the four walls of an 'academic' classroom, is a practical world that every child should learn to embrace at an early age. Extra Curricular activities helps in bridging that gap!

Outstanding grades in academics doesn't prepare a child for life but extra curricular activities does in some way.  Because there is so much to learn beyond the four walls of the classroom especially from the practical aspect point of view.  

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As a parent, I would be fine if my child does average or a lil' more than average in academics because I opine that extra curricular activities go a long way in shaping the overall personality of a child, right from the young age. Although grades matter, so does extra curricular! 

Needless to say that this pandemic has left kids with plenty of time at their disposal as schooling has been virtual. Also, many organizers of hobby related courses or extra curricular activities have shifted their base to online classes or have opened up their centres with proper precautionary measures. As a parent to a six year old and a mentor to many, I have personally observed the following positive changes in children as they participate or enroll in various extra curricular activities.

• Overcoming Stage Fear: To overcome stage fear, you need to grab the stage and be there. You just can't overcome it by being a passive spectator.
• Smart Kids: Smartness might be inherited to some extent, but external environment plays a vital role in enhancing it. Extra curriculars provide that environment.  
• Bold Kids: One can easily notice kids becoming bolder as they engage more in extra curriculars.
• Better Social Skills: As extra curricular requires one to interact with diverse group of people beyond their classroom, social interaction skills as well as interpersonal skills get a boost automatically.
• Overall Personality Development: Personality development is a process and doesn't happen overnight. Enrolling kids in various extra curricular activities at a young age, helps in shaping their overall personality.