Young children sometimes seem to have endless energy. Activities that provide an opportunity to learn basic social skills without the added pressure of competition are most suitable for students up to age 7 or 8. Extracurricular activities should focus on basic skills in a positive, accepting and inclusive environment.
As children get a little older, more opportunities become available to them. A second or third grader is ready for team sports and can follow directions, wait for his turn and recognize behavioral cause and effects. But, that doesn't mean that every child is ready for an increased commitment to extracurricular activities. As children age, their academic responsibilities increase. Each child is different and parents must decide how to schedule their child's time so there is time for homework, meal time and rest. It's important for kids this age to have time to relax and daydream and play.
Students in grades six through eight have more academic demands than younger children and are beginning to enter puberty. Energy levels, appetite, moods and growth can fluctuate at this age and each child experiences these changes at a different rate. An increased interest in television, computer and video games also occurs. Involvement in sports, classes and clubs can provide a healthy outlet for creative and athletic energy, but selecting extracurricular activities should be a decision made based on what is best for the individual child. Children at this age are usually quite social, but the demands of an after-school sport or class can be expensive and time-consuming, so don't make the decision to participate based on what their friends are doing.
High school offers a world of different extracurricular activities for the teenage student, no matter what her interest. High schools offer everything from swim team to science club, environmental activism to foreign language club. Programs are usually on campus after school, making it easier for parents who would normally have to drive a younger student to and from activities. This is an age when students can pursue steadfast interests with like-minded people and explore new curiosities. College admissions departments like students who can indicate they can manage time and commit to something. And after students are in college, it is more costly to take a class, so high school is a good time to take advantage of activities offered at school, as long as academic and other responsibilities are met.