Math- and science-based activities have a direct correlation to school curriculum. Whether working with computers or model rockets, equations and calculations play a significant role in demonstrations and activities. Practice working with concrete numbers and problems students care about to directly support their academic achievement.
Whether batting on the baseball team or painting in art, children often face problems while working on extracurricular projects. Working on projects with a group or alone gives students a chance to identify and troubleshoot real-world problems. As teamwork is often a part of clubs and recreational groups, children also spend time working through interpersonal conflict. The lessons gained from these experiences often are reflected at home and at school, enhancing the child's attitude and communication skills.
Socialization plays an important part in the growth of children and teenagers. A sense of belonging and access to role models are crucial to the development of a healthy lifestyle. Extracurricular activities often have both built in, with students interacting with peers while learning skills from respected elders.
Children and teens are their own worst critics and have a fragile sense of identity and worth. Concrete products and tangible items made during an extracurricular activity reinforce the value of individual students. Having something that shows the child was helpful or successful offers vital support to the development of his positive self-esteem. Some examples of tangible items made by students might be a model rocket, a painting, a ceramic sculpture, a computer program or the decorations for a school event. Providing mementos (token gifts, a t-shirt, a mug) for services provided or intangible accomplishments can also help hold the memories of positive experiences.
Many after-school activities provide hands-on experience. The development of vocational and professional skills is a valuable asset of these programs. Students may even find mentors, apprenticeships and careers through participation in extracurricular activities.
Students who participate in extracurricular activities have access to resources and caring adult role models. Aside from direct interventions, the presence of supportive networks is known to produce cyclical, holistic benefits. Active students are less likely to drop out of school and more likely to achieve high academic success. Extracurricular activities prepare students to face the stresses of low-income communities. Crime, teen pregnancy, drug-use, poor self-image and general delinquency are all suppressed by well-implemented, after-school programs. The joint support of personal wellness, academics and good behaviors produce resilient and well-equipped children.