THE ROLE OF EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES IN YOUR CHILD’S LIFE
Most of the time, when a family looks for a school abroad, the main criteria include aspects such as the academic results of graduates in public examinations, university destinations, subject offerings, the school’s position in rankings, the performance of an educational system, or the facilities provided. All of these are, of course, important, and I will return with dedicated articles on these topics.
But what matters most is the way the school contributes to the complete development of the child, how it helps them discover and cultivate their strengths and passions, and how it shapes them into an upright citizen, guided by a moral compass and a sense of responsibility towards society and the environment.
Because erudite minds, full of knowledge, must be carried by harmonious bodies, stimulated by all types of intelligence with which a human being may be endowed.
Whether we are speaking about boarding schools or colleges, schools complement the academic learning process with extracurricular activities that are far more important than they might seem at first glance. It is no coincidence that many schools offer over 100 extracurricular activity options.
BENEFITS OF EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
- Discovery of talents, interests, and passions
- Acquisition of practical skills (hard skills)
- Development of soft skills (creative thinking, critical thinking, problem-solving, self-assessment, empathy, perseverance, teamwork, etc.)
- Career orientation (through exploring different fields and professions)
- Building friendships
- Keeping children away from devices they might otherwise be tempted to use in their free time
- Building an activity portfolio, so necessary for a successful application to top universities
- Boosting self-confidence
Developing all types of intelligence
All types of intelligence must be awakened, stimulated, and transformed into your child’s strengths. Because surely they have many, and the opportunities to develop them are countless.
I will divide extracurricular activities according to the types of intelligence they develop. And I will use Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences to do so (it shows us that we can be nine times smarter than we think!).
1. VERBAL–LINGUISTIC INTELLIGENCE
This is expressed through communication skills, the use of a wide vocabulary, and, in short, the ability to find the right word at the right moment.
RELEVANCE
It is the best communication tool we have as human beings, regardless of career choice. Writers and speakers should score highly in this area.
POSSIBLE CAREERS
Speech therapist, writer, radio or TV presenter, journalist, lawyer/paralegal, orator, editor, politician, secretary, etc.
EXAMPLES OF EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Debate club, Model United Nations, public speaking club, Model Congress Club, school or local newspaper, school or local radio station, school website, foreign language clubs (Chinese, French, German, Latin, Russian, Spanish, Japanese, English, etc.), literature club, literary magazine, poetry club.
2. LOGICAL–MATHEMATICAL INTELLIGENCE
This refers to the ability to understand logical and numerical patterns, as well as abstract concepts.
RELEVANCE
Useful for working with factual data, establishing cause-and-effect relationships, identifying logical solutions, and conducting scientific research.
POSSIBLE CAREERS
Scientists, technicians, engineers, economists, software developers, mathematicians, statisticians, accountants, etc.
EXAMPLES OF EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Chemistry club, engineering club, science club, mathematics club, robotics club, programming club, chess club, Model Railroads.
3. SPATIAL–VISUAL INTELLIGENCE
This is the ability to visualise abstract forms, to understand information transmitted through images and illustrations, and to mentally construct visual representations.
RELEVANCE
Essential for spatial orientation and organising objects in everyday life. Not only artists, architects, and engineers need it, but also each of us when wrapping a present or driving in heavy traffic.
POSSIBLE CAREERS
Architect, visual artist, engineer, designer, chemist, doctor, physicist, geologist, game designer, etc.
EXAMPLES OF EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Architecture club, engineering club, robotics club, web design, animation, art club, drawing and painting, ceramics and pottery, blacksmithing, sculpture, woodworking, graphic design, jewellery making.
4. BODILY–KINESTHETIC INTELLIGENCE
This is expressed through the ability to harmoniously control your body and the objects you use.
RELEVANCE
Because mens sana in corpore sano.
POSSIBLE CAREERS
Dancer, craftsman, actor, surgeon, mime, athlete, jeweller, physiotherapist, etc.
EXAMPLES OF EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Horse riding, puppetry, mime, dance, choreography, climbing, kayaking, swimming, netball, football, tennis, rugby, hockey, and all kinds of sports.
5. MUSICAL INTELLIGENCE
Seen in those who create rhythm and tone, understand musical phrasing naturally, and appreciate musical values at a high level.
RELEVANCE
Music moves mountains, lifts people, communicates profound messages, and activates the entire spectrum of human emotions.
POSSIBLE CAREERS
Composer, conductor, singer, music critic, music therapist, lyricist, choir director, etc.
EXAMPLES OF EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Jazz band, orchestra, solo music, all types of ensembles, choir, concert band, solo band, marching band, study of any musical instrument, and any music-related club.
6. INTERPERSONAL INTELLIGENCE
This is the ability to relate to others, manage relationships, show empathy, and understand other people’s motivations and states.
RELEVANCE
Because we live among people, in families, small or large communities, and most professional environments involve human interaction.
POSSIBLE CAREERS
Actor, psychologist, anthropologist, sociologist, doctor, therapist, referee, manager, director, writer, etc.
EXAMPLES OF EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Drama club, literature club, all types of sports clubs, community volunteering, Model United Nations, Duke of Edinburgh Awards, Global Society, expeditions to remote areas, entrepreneurship club, debate club, and any team activities.
7. INTRAPERSONAL INTELLIGENCE
This is the ability to identify and manage your own emotions, define your values, and be aware of your own cognitive processes.
RELEVANCE
It fuels self-confidence, resilience, discipline, openness to new ideas, and the motivation to push beyond your limits.
POSSIBLE CAREERS
Entrepreneur, psychologist, therapist, manager, theologian, writer, philosopher, artist, architect, programmer, etc.
EXAMPLES OF EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Philosophy club, writing club, volunteering, literature club, dance club, choreography, drama club, woodworking, entrepreneurship, debate and science clubs.
8. NATURALISTIC INTELLIGENCE
This is seen in those interested in nature and all its aspects, in classifying and observing plants and animals.
RELEVANCE
In an era dominated by technology, it is vital to have people concerned with the environment and its health.
POSSIBLE CAREERS
Botanist, geologist, oceanographer, ornithologist, landscape architect, entomologist, meteorologist, etc.
EXAMPLES OF EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Birdwatching, camping, astronomy club, hiking, climbing, gardening, animal care, field trips, ecological volunteering, tree planting and vegetable growing, and all kinds of outdoor activities.
9. EXISTENTIAL INTELLIGENCE
This is shown by those concerned with philosophical questions about the meaning of human existence and our role in the world.
RELEVANCE
Because it exists. And because it is important in all areas of society and fields of activity. Those with existential intelligence see The Big Picture, possess critical thinking, and have excellent problem-solving skills.
POSSIBLE CAREERS
Other than a philosopher, practically anything.
EXAMPLES OF EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
All of them!
The benefits of extracurricular activities are incredibly varied and difficult to compress into a single text. Nevertheless, it is important to see the bigger picture and realise that any activity stimulates not just one, but several of the nine types of intelligence mentioned.
Therefore, choose extracurricular activities!
