A new school year has started and as students are settling down in their classes, many are also looking forward to participating in co-curricular activities at school.
Most co-curricular activities take place before school (for afternoon class sessions), or after school (for morning class sessions). They compliment what students learn in school and support intellectual, emotional, social, moral, creative and physical development.
credit : Merar
Common co-curricular activities include sports, art club, uniform body clubs, dance clubs, debate club and the student newspaper, just to name a few. Participation in co-curricular activities benefit students in many ways, but each activity has it’s own plus points. Here are some of the common ones offered in schools around Malaysia.
Uniform Body Clubs (St. John Ambulance, Red Crescent, Scouts, Brigades)
credit : RedCrescentPenang
Participation in uniformed voluntary bodies help students to acquire leadership skills and develop creativity in dealing with challenges. Researchers have found that students involved in school non-governmental organisations tend to be more mature, multi-skilled and goal-driven. (NST)
Children learn about teamwork, develop relationship skills and, in many cases, lasting friendships. They are given a sense of responsibility and independence, to learn to be proactive and creative problem-solvers. They give back to the community and while being equipped with useful living skills, these kids will go far.
Taekwondo
credit : My Aone Learning
Benefits include:
- Physical and mental fitness
- Discipline and perseverance
- Increase in concentration span, and memory
- Learning respect for others
- Increase in children’s self confidence and self esteem.
For the boys:
- kicking and punching under controlled conditions.
- learn about self-control.
- learn that Taekwondo, stays in the Dojang.
- And they learn from great role models.
For the girls:
- being fit and healthy gives girls a positive body image.
- learning to face confrontation and fear
- develops self esteem and self confidence.
Credit : Taekwondo-information.org
Dancing / Culture and Art Clubs
credit : Artis Budaya JKKN Negeri Johor
Dancing is also a physical activity. Regular dance practice can increase your child’s flexibility, range of motion, physical strength and stamina. The repetitive movements involved in dance can improve muscle tone, correct poor posture, increase balance and coordination. Dance can improve overall cardiovascular health and is a aerobic form of exercise.
Aside from the physical aspects, it promotes the importance of teamwork and socializing. Dancing gives children an avenue to express themselves, a creative outlet so to speak, and an opportunity to learn about Malaysia’s varying culture. The impact of creative learning on children is enormous.
credit: Livestrong
Indoor Sports / Sport Activities
credit : BorneoPost
Needless to say, kids who are active in school sports are fitter, have healthier body weights and are more confident. Participation in school sports provides a sense of belonging and being part of a team or group which in turn, improve kids social skills. Kids learn to consider the interests of their teammates and to practice mutual respect and cooperation.
It also improves agility, coordination and balance. Exercising can also help reduce stress levels, anxiety and behavioral problems in kids. Regular physical activity will help your kids relax better, sleep better and gives them other means to let off steam.
No matter which co-curricular activities your kids choose to take on, every single one of them are there to benefit your child. Let us guide our kids to have a balanced lifestyle, to excel physically, emotionally and intellectually for the future. School isn’t all about studying all the time, sometimes it is also acquiring other skills in a more physical and fun way.