Extra-Curricular Activities, Is it worth it?

You are right, students engaged in extra-curricular activies get incentives from their teacher. I remember during our elementary and high school days, these activities were being included in the computation of points in order to determine the list of honors especially those in first and second honors. Just want to share how these activities really change the list of honors. During our high school, my wife got the 2nd highest grade among the graduating student. However, she does not actively participate in extra-curricular activities, especially those inter-school competitions. After tabulation of points for the honors, she went down to 6th place. In this case, I think inclusion of extra-curricular activities in determination of honors is not that fair. Those who always joined the activities where always the one being selected by the teachers. I think I would encourage young ones to join such activities for experience and perhaps, to increase their points for those running for honors.

Life is not all about academics. I believe the reason why they've included those extra-curricular activities in school is to provide balance to the students' lives. And those activities also plays a big part in the personal development.

Yah. Co-curricular activities complete a person's education. It is these activities that shape the character of a person. Theories alone will not make the student acquire a holistic education.

But, from my point of view, I find it very useful that in institutions of extracurricular activities are performed (in Italy they are called after-school) where students can express their creativity a little without the help of books. In my time (the 80's / 90's) this type of activity does not yet exist. However, I have a young cousin of 16 years in middle school made ??such activities and, as she told me about it, would seem to be fulfilled.

Extra curricular activities could help a student to develop good qualities as you already mentioned but le us accept that it can also teach bad habits to a student and if not managed properly it can loose the focus of a student in his studies which is far more important than anything else. It is the exact reason why student go to school, to learn and not to devote their most time in the extra curriclar activities.

Yes i would totally suggest it. Extra-curriculars are important. It may not seem important to you now because you think it's going to hurt your grades. But actually in the real world, grades are not all that knowing. Extra-curriculars can give you real world experience and skills, it improves your social skills, and allows you to do better time management. You'll also get to meet new people. Apply yourself to as many extra-curriculars as you can!

I would recommend them to do it but only when they are older enough that they can be able to manage it or else for younger children, the extra-curriculum activities should be in a such way that it does not affect him/her performance.

Absolutely! I think there needs to be a balance for the children- meaning not being involved in too many activities. However, I feel there is a great importance to being involved in activities. Not only do these activities help with socialization skills thy also help younger individuals learn to be leaders. Particularly in this day in age, I think too many children lack socialization skills because they are always on computers and game boys etc. I think children really need to get out and interact with their peers.