Choose an activity that caters to your child’s interest: Dr. Barmi
Over the last few years, the importance attached to skills and activities outside the scope of academic performance has been steadily increasing. These extra curricular activities, which include everything from arts and sports to lifeskills help in the overall development of children. The reason behind the increasing popularity of these activities centres around the fact that academics alone isn’t enough for the holistic development of young minds. Extra curricular activities contribute to the physical emotional well-being of students, while teaching them discipline and preparing them for a variety of real-world situations. In this interview, Dr. Bhavna Barmi, a mental health and behavioral sciences expert, talks about the benefits of extra-curriculars for students and how parents can help their children choose the right one from a wide array of options.
How do extra-curricular activities contribute to a student’s growth?
Extracurricular activities employ a type of learning method to help students enhance their observation skills and gain practical exposure. Such activities play a big role in developing their potential in an integrated and holistic manner, helping them become spiritually, rationally, emotionally and physically well-balanced. Additionally, these activities advance academic knowledge and help students enhance social and communication skills which are essential for effective networking.
Do co-curricular activities help in the development of cognitive skills and values too?
Definitely. These leisurely activities go a long way in developing the moral fabric of kids, helping them grow up as responsible citizens. In today’s world, creativity is the key to success and these activities aid in flourishing this cognitive skill too. Students identify new ways to solve an already existing problem if they are involved in extracurricular activities. Important management skills like analytical thinking, leadership and team spirit are intrinsically associated with these activities.
How can parents choose the best extracurricular activities for their children?
Parents can opt from a pool of extracurricular activities like athletics, volleyball, swimming, hockey, gastronomic club, art, dance, so on and so forth. To pick up the right activity, they need to be well aware of their child’s interests and skills. This is because aptitude directly impacts their willingness to participate and continue with an activity. Try to choose an activity that helps in the cognitive development of kids and boosts brainpower. Enrolling them in a science and technology club can be a good option. It will enhance STEM (Science, technology, engineering, mathematics) learning. The key is to cater your child’s interests and give him the right exposure.