Activities Activities Away School Away from School

Activities that take place away from the school environment don’t just keep restless children busy or entertained and help working parents manage their child’s spare time, they can also offer great developmental benefits that will help them academically, physically and socially.

New Friendships

Outside of the school environment, your child is likely to make friendships with children that don’t go to their school and get used to socialising with children of all ages outside the structure of the school day.

Improving Life & Social Skills

Outside school activities provide an ideal environment in which to nurture social skills and confidence. Many activities teach children the value of working as a team to achieve a mutual goal — a skill that will benefit them in their future endeavours.

Boosting Academic Performance

Discovering that they have a talent can give a child a new source of confidence or a passion that translates into their engagement and behaviour at school. For example, performing in drama club can improve confidence in speaking up in class and inspire creative writing.

Building Self-Esteem

In a busy classroom it can sometimes be hard for a child to make themselves heard. Outside of school activities will give your child the chance to build their self-esteem and be more interested and engage more easily with the activities involved. Most groups or teams are more intimate than the classroom environment, making them less intimidating for children.

Positive Role Models

Sports coaches, group leaders and other responsible adults who are sharing their skills provide role models and a valuable new take on the world for children.

Happier Children

Outside of school activities promote emotional well-being by allowing children to work off excess energy, relax their minds, and overcome the stress associated with school life.

Chance to Shine

Outside of school activities offer your child the chance to be themselves away from the influence of their school friends. Without being judged by their peers as “not cool” or “geeky” your child may thrive in developing new outlet for creative, sporting or intellectual pursuits.

Sense of Commitment

Children who participate in outside of school activities develop a sense of commitment to whatever they are involved in, and this commitment starts to extend to other areas of their lives.

Explore Interests

When children participate in multiple different activities, they get the opportunity to explore a range of interests which subsequently broaden their world view.

A Brighter Future

The skills and habits a child learns during his or her school years help to shape the kind of future they will lead as an adult. As a result, outside activities that promote everything from healthy-living habits, to leadership skills, good time-management, and better social or academic performance have plenty of advantages to offer.

Don’t Push Them

Keep in mind that you shouldn’t push children to over-do it when it comes to extra activities. It’s better for your child to choose something that they really enjoy doing and stick to it, rather than attempt numerous different activities that quickly become overwhelming. If your child just wants to try everything, it may be best to let them do so and try to narrow down their commitments when you see which ones they particularly favour.