Creating Connection: How Extracurriculars Shape Student Success

In today's world, it seems that everyone is glued to their phones and screens—constantly scrolling, taking videos, and capturing every moment. This focus on screens often means disengagement from the world around us. At school, while it’s important for teachers to use technology appropriately in the classroom, we have a unique opportunity to help students become less dependent on their devices and foster genuine relationships and social interactions. Now, more than ever, it’s crucial to encourage students to get involved in extracurricular activities like clubs, sports, or leadership roles such as student council.

Building Social Capital Through Extracurriculars

Extracurricular involvement offers students a chance to develop their social capital. These activities teach students how to socialize, think critically, and solve problems—skills that come naturally through engaging with others. While social interactions are part of classroom experiences, they are often not enough. Extracurricular activities provide the environment students need to build these essential skills. After all, school is one of the few places where students have ample opportunities to interact with their peers face-to-face.

Developing Essential Skills for Life

Beyond social skills, extracurricular activities help students build a variety of lifelong skills, including organization, time management, teamwork, and leadership. Balancing schoolwork with extracurriculars teaches students how to prioritize and manage their time effectively, fostering communication and cooperation. Students often encounter disagreements and challenges in clubs or sports, which helps them navigate conflicts and find resolutions. Additionally, leadership roles like team captain or club president encourage students to take initiative and develop resilience when facing setbacks. The ability to adapt to change, which is frequently required in sports and activities, also becomes a key part of their development. These skills extend beyond the classroom and prepare students for success in everyday life. The more opportunities students have to socialize and work with others, the more they build the capacity to interact positively outside of school.

Boosting School Spirit and Belonging

Extracurricular programs also play a key role in fostering school spirit and a sense of belonging. They help students feel connected to something larger than themselves—something that goes beyond their immediate family and friends. Through clubs, sports, and other activities, students can take pride in their school community. When students feel a sense of pride and connection to their school, they are more likely to want to attend class, engage with their peers, and participate actively in their learning. This creates a positive cycle where engagement in extracurriculars leads to increased classroom motivation.

Linking Extracurriculars to Academic Success

Participation in extracurricular activities doesn’t just impact students’ social skills—it can also improve their academic performance. Students often bring the skills they develop in extracurriculars, like goal-setting and perseverance, into the classroom, enhancing their motivation and focus. Many schools require students to maintain a certain GPA to stay eligible for extracurricular activities, particularly sports. This requirement can serve as a powerful motivator, encouraging students to work harder in their classes to ensure they remain eligible for activities they enjoy. By tying extracurricular involvement to academic goals, schools can create a well-rounded learning experience that supports students both inside and outside of the classroom.

Encouraging Educators to Lead the Way

As educators, it’s vital to encourage students to get involved in extracurricular activities. If you haven’t yet had the chance to run a club, advise a student council, organize a school dance, or coach a sport, I highly recommend trying it—if only for a year. When students see their teachers taking an active interest in something beyond the classroom, they’re more likely to explore those interests themselves. Students who are shy or hesitant might be inspired to step out of their comfort zone because of your influence. Even when you're not leading an extracurricular, it's important to nudge students toward activities that align with their interests. Helping them set up a new club if it doesn’t already exist at your school—whether it’s a chess club, a movie club, or a sports team—can make a significant difference. For example, I once had students who loved movies, so we started a movie club where we watched classic films and discussed literary devices, themes, and characters—just like in English class. It was fun, educational, and a great way to connect with students outside of the regular classroom setting.

Final Thoughts: Building Better Futures Through Involvement

The more we can get our students involved in school activities, the better prepared they will be for life beyond graduation. Extracurricular programs not only help them become well-rounded individuals, but they also encourage a break from screens and a reconnection with the real world. By prioritizing these opportunities, we empower students to build skills, make connections, and embrace the kind of personal growth that will serve them throughout their lives.