Question 1

What are extracurricular activities?

Accepted Answer

Extracurricular activities are any activities scheduled outside of a child's school day. Typically, they refer to activities that are regularly scheduled through an organization and include, but aren't limited to:
• music lessons,
• theatre,
• organized sports (soccer, baseball, tennis, hockey, football)
• other athletic activities (rock climbing, yoga, Zumba, skiing)

Question 2

Are extracurricular activities for kids good?

Accepted Answer

As is the case with most aspects of life, the answer lies somewhere in between. Sports are a wonderful way for children to develop gross motor skills, benefit from turn-taking and learn sportsmanship as well as many other invaluable life skills. In addition, there are many health benefits to regular physical activity including improved cardiovascular health, endurance and strength. Extracurricular activities such as music or art lessons improve can improve creativity, brain functioning and academic skills.
Despite these benefits, less is certainly more when it comes to extracurricular activities. There are many detriments including detrimental levels of stress in children who are overscheduled. As such, children should be scheduled minimally and have ample-time for screen-free, free-play.

Question 3

What activities can two and three-year-olds do?

Accepted Answer

While many organizations offer lessons for children this young, many parents will attest that it is very challenging for toddlers to engage in independent extracurricular activities. Instead, partake in your favourite activities at home. Practice kicking a ball in the backyard, paint, dance, play catch, or head out to a swimming pool together. Not only are these activities inexpensive, but they are also more likely to create a lifelong love of the pastime as it's more child-centred and about your relationship with your child.

Extracurricular activities for kids: Why science says less is more

This is why free-play is more valuable than extracurricular activities

free-play

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