Co-curricular activities and personality development

It is anybody’s guess that a holistic growth is only possible through holistic education. A child, in order to grow to his full potential, needs to be groomed in toto. But the million dollar question is what are those aspects which need to be touched and worked upon to get the desired result.

Studies world over by leading researchers suggest that there are predominantly three factors integral to a child’s overall growth. They are their mind, physique and personality. All these work in tandem to make a child capable in exploring his full potential. Gone are the days when only bookish knowledge was considered as the yardstick of a brilliant student. Today, with curricular excellence, co-curricular exposure is always a must. No wonder, all schools across the world, today, give equal prominence to co-curricular activities in school.

But what are the activities which fall under co-curricular category?

If broadly classified, co-curricular activities are those programs and learning experiences which in general complement academic curriculum. They include Debate, Declamation, Speech, Quiz, Skit, Song & Dance, etc. CCAs, as they are popularly known, are worked upon by school management within the parameters set by education board to amalgamate them with the main curriculum They are instrumental in developing the intellect, morality and aesthetics of an individua.,

In changing times, even parents want that their ward should excel not just in academics but in co-curricular activities as well. Because it is a perennial desire of every parent to see their child shine in every walk of life. In order to see that happening, children are motivated to take part in some or the other activities beyond books. Kids are either enrolled at school in such activities or at home to sharpen their desired trade, to give an edge to their personality.

Co-curricular activities always lead to personality development in individuals. It leads to enhanced confidence, increased social and peer acceptance and an image makeover. Enhanced confidence helps in developing an attitude for leadership to churn out solutions for any given situation.

While most schools rope in specialists to hone their students’ respective skills, parents are also ready to shell out a good amount for the same. In this competitive age, to have an edge over others is of utmost importance, so, co-curricular activities are deemed as good as the academic curriculum. With modern system of education taking over, where equal weightage is assigned to physical and mental growth, co-curricular activities are no way second to academic excellence.