Every activity in school life plays a significant role in development of students. Co-curricular activities are an essential part of school life and helps in enhancing learning process of students at school. Co-Curricular activities are compulsory activities which is important for every student to participate. Co-curricular activities are designed and balanced with academic curriculum so that every student gets to learn beyond subjects.Co-curricular activities are meant to bring social skills, intellectual skills, moral values, personality progress and character appeal in students. It includes athletics, cultural events, Library activities, science lab activities, classroom activities, creative arts and meditation etc.
Since, co-curricular activities are merged with academics therefore, it ensures that students get to learn effectively. Science or Computer Lab practical, experiments and projects are part of co-curricular activities.
Cultural Values - Students get to learn by cultural events including national events and traditional events from different faiths including Gandhi Jayanti, Indepedence Day, Republic Day, as well as Diwali, Eid, Baisaki, Onam, Raksha Bandhan, and many other cultural events. Students get to learn about these events through books as well as co-curricular activities based on different cultures organised by Schools.Co-curricular activities require students to stay active at school by participation since, students have no option to skip these activities as it’s a part of their curriculum. Students have to be a part of co-curricular activities like athletics, gymnastics, yoga, indoor games, and meditation etc. These activities are beneficial for students’ physical fitness as well as mental health and they are relieved from academic stress.Co-curricular activities are good for improving students learning experience at school which improves their attendance at school and increases participation rate by students in co-curricular activities. Of course, students get a really good excuse for a break from academics.
Co-curricular activities at school are designed in groups so that students can participate along with their classmates. This helps students develop leadership skills, team integrity and coordination skills.
The students through co-curricular activities learn essential ethical values about different cultures, religions, events of national and international importance as well as discipline and school life ethics. They learn to understand different religions, values, social ethics, patience, empathy, motivational skills, compatibility and contentment.
IMPORTANCE OF EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES IN SCHOOL
Extracurricular activities like games, dance, music, as well as arts and environmental education related activities are necessary along with academics for the overall development of students at the school. The students who take part in extracurricular activities are physically strong, active and smart. Also, their personal development and communication skills are also great. Students learn to interact, communicate and develop social skills as they engage in extracurricular activities. Here is how extracurricular activities along with academic at schools help students in their development.
1. Sports – This is the best stress buster for students and a valid excuse for a break from studies. It improves their physical as well as mental strength. Students who are physically active also score good marks in academic as they pay attention to their studies at school as well as at home. All factors which hamper studies such as laziness, stress and absent mindedness are driven away from kids who are engaged in physical games.
2. Music – Music has great healing power as it relieves students of any stress or pressure for studies. It soothes their mind and students feel fresh to start their studies again. Music also improves their learning and concentration skills. They learn patience, coordination and cooperation while practising music.
3. Dance – Dance is another physical stress buster that refreshes students. Dance also improves strength in students, keeps them healthy, flexible and active. Also, if they excel in various dance forms then they can get many opportunities to show their talent and even make a career in this.
4. Group Discussion – Students are divided into teams and pitched for discussion through debates, essay, recitation competition etc. This helps the students to develop communication skills, extend their knowledge as they get other outlook, thoughts and ideas too. Also, they develop public speaking skills and are more open to interact with people around them.
5. Art and Crafts – from an early stage students are taught art and crafts at school. They are trained in various types of arts like drawing, sketching, paper craft, woodcraft, designing/embroidery, sculptures, painting etc. These art and craft activities help students improve their imagination skills, their creative skills and they learn to express their thoughts more openly. Students who do arts and crafts do not find difficulty in learning as their patience and mental skill is strong.
6. Environment Projects – There are many environment cleanliness projects, resource conservation/sustainable development project which schools can teach their students. Also, such learning helps students think about the environment and they take it seriously and help implement measures to help the environment. Such measures include plantation, cleanliness drives at schools and their surroundings. Also, the government recognises students for their initiatives towards the environment and reward them. Students can also pursue their further education in environment protection specialisation.