Balancing academics and extracurricular activities for students

Importance of Early Learning

Preschool is one of the most vital stages in a student’s learning process. The skills that they learn and develop at this age help them in the long run. The primary focus every parent or educator has is to instill a love for learning among their kids. Academics in the preschool include basic mathematics, science, art, etc. However, there is much more to a child’s development than what can be found within the confines of a classroom.

Benefits of Extracurricular Activities

Extracurricular activities are important for every student no matter their age. It is seen as a fun and engaging way to help a child develop. Extracurricular activities can be of different forms such as dance, music, sports, arts and many more. They provide children with a chance to explore their interests, develop new skills, and socialize with their peers in a relaxed and non-academic setting.

Exploring of New Interest: Extracurricular activities can help a child explore a variety of hobbies and interests at an early age.
Building of Confidence: When a child starts gaining tiny success in extracurricular activities, it helps them boost confidence which in turn helps them get a positive impact on academics.
Enhancement of Social Skills: Extracurricular activities play a vital role for kids to enhance their social skills like interacting with peers, teamwork, cooperation and communication.
Balanced Development: While academics focus on cognitive development, extracurricular activities foster physical, emotional, and creative growth. They contribute to a more well-rounded education.

How to Find the Right Balance?

Often parents and educators who are supporting their preschoolers in balancing academics and extracurricular activities, often find it challenging. (Source: Freepik)

Finding the right way to balance academics and extracurricular activities can be overwhelming and when it’s for a preschool kid, it becomes a challenging task for parents and educators. Well, here are some tips that can help you:

Know Your Child: Understand your child’s interests and strengths. This will help you identify the most suitable extracurricular activities that align with your preferences.
Limit the Number of Activities: While offering a variety of activities is essential, it’s also important not to overload your child’s schedule. A few well-chosen activities will allow them to enjoy each one and focus on their academics.
Set Realistic Expectations: Ensure that both you and your child have realistic expectations about their participation in extracurricular activities. It’s important not to pressure them to excel in everything.
Create a Schedule: Develop a schedule that accommodates both academics and extracurricular activities. Consistency and routine are beneficial for young children.
Monitor Progress: Keep an eye on your child’s progress in both academics and extracurricular activities. This will help you make adjustments as needed to ensure a healthy balance.
Encourage Rest and Play: Allow your child to have downtime for unstructured play and relaxation. This time is just as vital for their development as structured activities.

Tips for Parents and Educators

Often parents and educators who are supporting their preschoolers in balancing academics and extracurricular activities, often find it challenging. Therefore, here are some tips that you can follow to help your kids grasp this transitioning phase of their lives.

Communicate: Communicating with the teachers of your child can help everyone stay updated with the progress and also help if the kid is facing trouble.
Celebrate Achievements: Whether it’s an excellent school project or a remarkable performance in an extracurricular activity, celebrating your child’s achievements can encourage them to work better.
Supportive Environment: Creating a safe and supportive environment for kids can help them explore their creativity and pursue their passions and interests.
Encourage Time Management: Helping the kids learn the basics of time management in preschool will not just help them understand the importance of it but will also help them efficiently use their time in the long run.
Listen to the Kids: Whether you are a parent or an educator, listening to children is crucial. The timetable you have created for them if it feels too much for them and they are trying to tell you then be a little flexible or create alternative options.

Balancing academic and extracurricular activities for a preschooler can be exciting yet challenging. Preschool is the foundation upon which a child’s educational journey is built. It is that time of their lives when they begin to lay the groundwork for future learning. So, a harmonious balance between both education and activities will help them lead a successful life.

(Pankaj Kumar Singh is the managing director of Cambridge Montessori Preschool)

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