Most students in any grade level join different extra-curricular activities in their school. For them, this is one way of having more friends, enhancing their talents, developing their knowledge in their area of interest and other reasons.

            The old adage “All work and no play, makes Jack a dull boy” is applicable both in school and also in real family life. According to Tenedero (2008) Extra-curricular activities allow you to indulge in outside valuable activities.

            In the secondary level, almost all the subject areas have their respective clubs, for example, English Club, wherein the officers and members are encourage to visit different schools to observe their theater arts, visit different TV stations and programs in line with their subject areas. In Values Education Club, the officers and members agreed upon to conduct “Feeding Program” to less fortunate children in nearby places. You can also be a volunteer of some organizations, for example, in the World War II. Through these activities they can develop new skills, explore possible careers, build contacts for jobs, and add experiences to your resume in the future.

            Tenedero further stressed that there are some risks as well, if for example you are a student and you don’t balance the activities with your class schedules for this your grades may suffer. He gave some tips, to get the most in joining extra-curricular activities, which are the following:

1. Before joining a campus organization, decide if you have the time to devote to it. Be sure to leave time in your schedule for relaxation and unplanned events.
2. Remember your priorities. Rank your activities according to importance. Don’t let the school organ take prudence over that overdue science paper.
3. Choose valuable activities that directly support your short and long term goals. Join the drama club if you intend to go into acting and producing. Refuse the activities that fail to create valve to you. avoid joining groups simply because you feel obligated to do so.
4. Check out the rules first. Ask about club dues and attendance requirements.
5. Do a trial run. Attend one or two meetings before actually committing to join.

So, from these reminder of Tenedero, try to stop awhile analyze the objective, purpose, the people behind the club or group, the activities and the needed attendance.

      It’s good to join an extra-curricular activity but analyze it as a whole.

Reference:

      Tenedero, Henry S. AHA! I Gotcha! Center for Learning and Teaching Styles, Philippines Inc. (2008), pp 90-91

By: NANCY P. MACARAIG | TEACHER III | LUAKAN NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL