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Benefits of extracurricular activities

Extracurricular activities offer all students the opportunity to excel in an area that does not directly involve academics.
These activities can boost a student’s confidence and help diminish any anxious feelings caused by possible academic
demands. Activities outside of school also allow for much needed unstructured socialization for students. Many students
develop friendships with peers through outside activities.
Students from various schools in an area gather to participate in extracurricular activities and these opportunities
provide diversity for students that may attend schools with limited diversity. Many extracurricular activities lend students
a chance to develop a sense of leadership as the activity could involve growth with leveled challenges for advancement
within it. The development and growth of student confidence is another benefit of extracurricular activities.
The social-emotional connections through interactions with peers and/or coaches or instructors mold and enhance a
student’s personality, problem-solving abilities, personal opinions, and advocacy and decision-making skills.
The addition of extracurricular activities for school age children provides great benefits toward the development
of a well-rounded child; going without these activities, even temporarily, can cause adverse reactions in a student’s
developmental growth.

Facilitating activities

Before attempting to resume extracurricular activities in a student’s schedule, it is the responsibility of
the school to construct health safety protocols for all participants and instructors. The protocols and
enforcement of protocols must be consistent and taken seriously. Each school should inquire with the local
health department to understand quarantine guidelines for Covid-19 exposures and/or positive Covid-19 test
results. The decisions regarding temperature checking, face coverings, and group capacity requirements
will differ from country to country. Once schools determine the appropriate health safety protocols for the
students, the planning of extracurricular activities can begin.

Behind the screen

Now that most students are familiar with virtual meeting platforms, opportunities for students to continue
in speech/debate programs or multi-step instructed programs such as art classes, karate, or dance lessons
could be delivered through a screen. The many meeting applications have capabilities for breakout groups
that allow the instructors to meet with small groups or individual students and provide personalized
instruction.
Schools could also host extracurricular family events for a school community through virtual meetings, with
events such as a game night, large scale crafting, or a student talent night bringing the school community
together with fun and camaraderie. These behind the screen extracurricular activities are probably the safest
when needing to limit or eliminate contact with others.

54 EDUCATION
DURING THE PANDEMIC