Benefits Of Extracurricular Activities

A recent US Census report from 2014 announces that nearly six out of ten children participate in extracurricular activities (Commerce). The census also reported that 57% of children between six and seventeen years old participate in at least one after school extracurricular activity (Commerce). These children that participate in extracurricular are gaining social skills, physical gains, and help with the rest of their lives. This is why I think children should be forced to do extracurriculars by their parents. Even if children don’t see the benefits when their younger, there are many reasons why it is important for children to explore activities outside of the couch and television.
The first reason extracurricular activities are beneficial

Through these social activities children learn many life lessons that when will follow them into adult hood. Lesson such as, determination, perseverance, hard work equaling a reward, and positive self- image. Children are also able to learn more about themselves as they try different activities out. They can figure out what they enjoy and don’t enjoy and maybe even form a living or future career out of the activity they enjoy. Lastly, they do better in school which can help guide them towards a more successful adulthood. According to the NCES (National Center for education Statistics), students who participate in the extracurricular activities have a 15% higher classroom attendance rate than those not involves (Rivers and Media). This is mostly because most school related activities require participants to be present in classes before they can be present at the activity. School related extracurriculars also promote good grade before allowing participation in club events. Students who are in class more often are also more known to have a greater grade point average than those who skip class. Research has also proven that math SAT scores improved by 45 points and verbal scores shot up by 53 points when students were involved in extracurricular activities (Rivers and Media). Extracurricular activities also help college- bound students get scholarships which save their parents money when paying for