Co-curricular activities are all activities that are undertaken along with academic studies and are usually carried out outside the classroom. Some co-curricular activities like music, art and drama are mandatory while others like sports and debating are voluntary. Teachers as well as parents are advised to encourage and support learners to take part in co-curricular activities while in school. Examples of co-curricular activities include, school sports, talent shows, spelling bees, writing competitions and drama productions. Here are some reasons why it is important for a learner to take part in co-curricular activities.

1. Boosts academic performance

Often than not, co-curricular activities are viewed as a cause for deteriorated and poor academic performance. However, this misconception has been disqualified by numerous studies and researches which show that students who take part in co-curricular activities, get higher grades compared to their counterparts who don’t. Co-curricular activities generally enhance brain function, increase stamina, boost concentration, and help students deal with setbacks positively. As a result, learners who take part in co-curricular activities have a positive outlook on school and education in general, which leads to getting better grades.

2. Relieves stress and relaxes the brain

School work can be overwhelming and stressful for a learner especially when studying for upcoming exams, doing assignments and other related course work. Consequently, balancing between school work and social life becomes a tough nut to crack. Co-curricular activities help learners take time off from school work and enables them explore their interests beyond academic work. Thus they are able to get away from stressful classwork as well as think about their future interests.

3. Improved social skills

The academic curriculum does not include teaching of social skills like communication, empathy, active listening, conflict resolution, relationship management and respect. Co-curricular activities give learners a chance to make friends and interact with their peers from different backgrounds. This leads to learners being able to coexist with each other in peace and harmony regardless of the different backgrounds individuals may come from.

4. Boosts self esteem

All learners are encouraged to take part in co-curricular activities that interest them. If a learner joins the football team and ends up excelling in the sport, he/she will have more confidence. With improved self esteem, a learner will not shy away from other activities which are related to academics.

5. Improves physical health

Co-curricular activities that include physical exercises like running, cycling and swimming require learners to be physically active. This activity ensures that learners are physically fit resulting in good physical health of learners, thus preventing lifestyle disease like obesity, heart attacks and blood pressure.

6. Develops special skills

Co-curricular activities provide opportunities for learners to explore their interests and develop skills like creativity, critical thinking, problem solving abilities, photography, debating skills and dealing with arguments. All these are essential to a learner even in future.

In conclusion, co-curricular activities include all activities undertaken alongside academic studies. Without a doubt, these activities have numerous benefits to the learners. Ranging from boosting academic performance, improving social skills; bettering mental health to improving special skills, co-curricular activities position the learner to achieving the best outcomes from their learning. These activities should definitely be incorporated in schools and all learning models and all learners encouraged to participate.