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All work and no play?
That’s probably the quickest way to dull things down.
School is about more than just getting good grades. It is a space where children discover themselves and develop skill sets as they journey beyond textbooks.
Research suggests that involving children in extracurricular activities can significantly benefit their overall development. These activities improve their health, emotional intelligence, academic performance, and self-esteem. Plus, they can learn important values like respect, understanding rules, and appreciating differences. And as a bonus, it can even keep them out of trouble.
At CMR National Public School, we understand the true benefits of extracurricular activities. We have witnessed firsthand how children have excelled in their education, with some even turning their passions into careers.
The Transformative Power of Extracurricular Activities in Cultivating Lifelong Skills
- Mindful Teamwork
A team can perform their best, irrespective of the outcome or the competition, by having a mindful leader and teammates. It’s like this incredible energy that can fill up every corner of a hall or a stadium.
Think about the excitement of watching the Indian cricket team play or the mood change when classical singers perform – that’s the kind of magic mindful teamwork can bring.
Similarly, extracurricular activities, be it sports, performing arts, or student-led clubs, thrive on the mindful exchange of ideas and contributions. This fosters a sense of unity and purpose.
- Empathy in Social Skills
Empathy in social skills goes beyond mere interaction; it is about cultivating a profound sense of love, respect, and understanding for others.
Extracurricular activities are like laboratories for empathy, where children deepen their understanding of effective communication and slowly navigate diverse social scenarios.
Our annual Service Learning Programs also empower children to make a positive impact. From fundraisers for those in need to initiatives for a cleaner Bangalore and adopting zoo animals, these activities foster empathy and enhance social skills.
- Perseverance in Academics
Beyond the surface, extracurricular involvement instills a sense of discipline, focus, and courage to compete in a demanding environment and brings a sense of calmness into the learning process.
Sometimes, new ideas and complex concepts become challenging, and students must go the extra mile to turn them into simpler bits for their personal understanding and experimentation. Extracurriculars are a crucial break from potential burnouts, enabling children to refocus more deeply and approach learning with renewed energy.
It is a healthy switch, providing not just a pause but a dynamic shift that enhances resilience, creativity, and a tactical approach to learning.
- Thinking with Mindfulness
Although mindfulness has been a repetitive concept, it is undeniable how powerful it can be in any given scenario, and the same is true with thinking.
Individuals find themselves constantly immersed in the moment in all their extracurricular activities. These experiences become spaces where children are indirectly introduced to heightened awareness and mindfulness. Whether it’s sports, arts or other pursuits, focusing on the present instills clarity in thinking.
It becomes a journey where thinking is not just a process but a deliberate and aware exploration involving an in-depth grasp of ideas.
- Confidence from Self-Love
Whether learning a new skill or leading a team to victory, every accomplishment reflects personal growth and capability.
These experiences enable children to appreciate their abilities, leading to a positive self-image beyond specific activities. It’s not just about seeking validation from others but recognising one’s intrinsic worth and the strength of self-love.
Moreover, self-discovery in extracurricular activities contributes to a resilient sense of confidence. As individuals explore various interests, they learn more about their strengths, preferences, and areas for improvement. This process of self-discovery helps them develop a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them.
- Unwind in Gratitude
Embracing enjoyable activities can be transformed into a mindful ritual of unwinding.
This not only helps to relieve stress but also promotes holistic mental well-being. It’s a conscious decision to engage in experiences that bring joy and relaxation, creating a space for mental rejuvenation.
This intentional act of unwinding contributes to the cultivation of resilience, providing a buffer against the demands of daily life. We have seen our children become aware of their thoughts and emotions when introduced to FIND journal. This daily thoughtful journaling has turned into an effective tool fostering a sense of awareness and compassion in children. In this way, unwinding in gratitude becomes a powerful tool for maintaining mental balance and nurturing a positive outlook on life.
Conclusion
Introducing extracurriculars is not just about escaping stress; it helps children appreciate the present moment, acknowledging their own sources of joy, and finding solace in the simple pleasures. Some of the best preschools in Bangalore instill this in children from a very young age.
Extracurriculars are crucial for well-rounded individuals, offering lessons beyond the classroom. At CMR National Public School, recognised among the best private schools in Bangalore, we actively support their positive impact on growth. Our initiatives, such as Service Learning Programs, Deep Dive, After-School Activities, Makery, School Clubs, and Outbound Learning, transform students and cultivate essential life skills.
Join us in nurturing lifelong learners and tomorrow’s leaders.
