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(EDITOR’S NOTE: B-A freshmen were recently asked to write their opinions on a number of subjects relating to extra-curricular activities. This article by Izzy Holes focuses on whether or not schools should stop sponsoring extra-curricular activities.)

For all students, particularly middle and high school students, extra-curricular are exceedingly necessary. There are so many benefits that come with extra-curriculars that eliminating them would be absurd. Anyone and everyone who has been involved in some sort of extracurricular activity will tell you how important they are for kids. They teach so many life skills that go beyond what normal school can teach, like teamwork, commitment, prioritization, time management (and these are just a few). Eliminating extra-curriculars would leave a negative impact on more than just students’ lives.

Time Management

Many students who are involved in these activities have better time management skills than those who are not. According to the article, “Why Extra – Curricular Activities are so Important,” written by Mountain Heights Academy, a student who is busy with school work but also needs to balance two other extra-curriculars is more likely to plan out time dedicated to each activity and is less likely to procrastinate during down times. Honors students involved in extra-curriculars who are getting the same, if not better, grades than those in their class not involved proves my point further. These students are able to manage time, which will benefit them out in the real world.

Prioritization

Extra-curriculars dealing with both sports and academics come with the skills of prioritization and commitment. Anybody who has ever been a part of these activities knows that they have to sacrifice their time. They want to hang with friends but are able to see the commitment they made and what their priorities are. They know if they make their activity a priority, they are not going to get going to be getting the results they want. Being able to commit and prioritize will go beyond just activities for these students.

Teamwork and Social Skills

Along with extra-curriculars (sports specifically) comes the skill of teamwork. Being able work with others is important for when kids are in and out of school. Acquiring this skill of teamwork comes the best when being a part of a team of a sport. Also, kids involved in these social activities can develop social skills that will help them make better relationships than those who have never been involved. Some might say that too many are getting injured in certain contact sports, and they are not fit for kids to participate in. Sports are not risk-free, and even with the right techniques, players are going to get hurt, according to the article, “The Negative Effect of Youth Sports,” written by Steve Silverman. But getting hurt is a part of life, not just sports, and I think we should not let this one negative idea stop us from being able to take away all the positives that come with the extracurricular of sports.

It is evident that there are many positives when it comes to extra-curricular activities. Taking them out of schools would do the students so much less. Schools really would not be schools without the benefits of extra-curricular activities.