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In what ways can extracurricular activities contribute to the physical and mental development of children?

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I don't think any sane person would ever deny this fact: extracurricular activities do matter in physical and mental growth. Education alone isn't enough; we need to expose our kids to various experiences so they can fully utilize their abilities.

The main question is how exactly do extracurriculars influence a child's physical and mental health? Well, when kids engage in sports or physical activities, it boosts their stamina and energy. Playing sports teaches them discipline, teamwork, and patience.

Extracurriculars go a long way in enhancing the mental abilities of the child too. Music and art classes help children bring out their creativity. Debates, dramas, and poetry recitations prepare the children for a better-speaking skill. Science fairs and projects inject in them the spirit of inquiry and a desire to know.

Thus, extracurriculars not only aid in children's physical and mental growth but also prepare children for practical life. The activities teach them all the things needed for leading a balanced, moderate, and happy life.

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Do children in today’s society genuinely enjoy extracurricular activities, or is their participation primarily driven by parental pressure?

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This question is rather capturing: Do children actually like extracurriculars these days, or is it just due to pressure that parents make them take it up? The truth is, both scenarios exist.

On one hand, many children happily engage in extracurriculars because they find them fun. They participate in sports, music, art, drama, etc., out of interest, and not just as a time-pass. While some say that they are just wasting their time, I do not agree. And these very children often grow up to be successful in various fields of life, as everyone cannot be a doctor or an engineer.

On the other hand, some parents push their children into extracurricular activities, believing it's essential for their future success. However, it's better for parents not to force their children but rather allow them to choose. Kids should enjoy extracurricular activities, not feel pressured into them. I think parents should know the disposition of their child and try to strike a perfect balance where the child is not overburdened but is also not deprived of everything at the same time.

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Is participation in extracurricular activities a necessity for children’s development?

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I believe that extracurricular activities are indeed a compulsion for children's physical, mental, and psychological developments. Education focuses mainly on intellectual development, while extracurriculars help in shaping well-rounded individuals.

Just imagine a child sticking to studies only and not involving himself in sports, music, art, drama, etc. What kind of development will he be going through? He will not become physically fit, and many other important skills like those of working in a team, leading others, time management will be completely missed. Even global organizations have given it importance in their surveys. Some major bodies like UNESCO have included participation in extracurricular activities as part of the right to education for children.

However, it's important to not prioritize extracurriculars over academics. Education should remain a priority, but complete human development goes beyond just academics.

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What are the most beneficial extracurricular activities for children in the contemporary world?

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The first and most important thing is their involvement in sports and games. Playing cricket, football, basketball, and swimming helps the children keep fit. Besides, playing the games assists them in developing stamina and coordination among them.

The second important activity is music and art; this gives the children a way to develop their creativity and self-expressing abilities. Singing a song or drawing some art gives a chance for a child to express his or her inner self.

Other activities, like debates, public speaking, and reciting poetry, are also highly beneficial for children. They do not only work for improving skills in speaking but also give opportunities to understand and speak on the global issues. This ability will give them great advantages for college and their future job.

Finally, I’d like to say that extracurricular activities pave the way for children's future success. Although they require time and effort now, they provide immense benefits in both career and life. Therefore, they should not be considered unnecessary.

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I trust that you found the information in my article to be valuable. 😊

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^{I would like to invite @paholags, @malikusman1, @irawandedy, @afrizalbinalka, @fjjrg, @mvchacin, @suboohi and @eliany to join this contest through this link, if they have not already taken part in it.}

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^{Author: @waqarahmadshah | Date: 19-Mar-2024 | Achievement 1}