Benefits & Strategies of Extracurricular Activities for Homeschoolers

As homeschoolers, we have a unique opportunity to tailor Peter and Claire’s education to fit academic goals, personal interests, and life skills. We feel extracurricular activities play a pivotal role, offering more than just the overt lessons they impart. They provide a platform for our children to explore their interests deeply, learn resilience, and develop social skills outside the traditional classroom setting.

I’ve realized just how valuable these lessons and experiences are for our children, allowing them to draw wisdom from their tutors, teachers, and instructors.

For my son Peter, for example, martial arts is a significant part of his school week. Dad, who also adored martial arts, felt overwhelmed by the prospect of attending sessions after a long day of school during his childhood. In retrospect, allocating more time to martial arts rather than traditional physical education like dodgeball or running laps would have been more beneficial and enjoyable for him.

Speaking from the perspective of a child raised by a single parent, I understand the challenges surrounding involvement in extracurriculars, both from a financial standpoint and the management of a busy schedule. Now, as a parent with children involved in various activities, I know how fortunate my family is to participate in these enriching experiences. My priority, however, extends beyond my children to their future generations.

Strategies for Balancing and Affording Extracurricular Activities

Consolidate Schedules:
Where possible, try to schedule as many extracurricular activities on the same day or on consecutive days. It minimizes travel time and simplifies your weekly planning.

Dedicated Savings:
Open a separate bank account for extracurricular or educational expenses. Set an automatic transfer to match your pay cycle, ensuring a consistent fund flow towards your children’s activities.

Encourage Commitment:
Support your child’s decision if they choose to quit an activity, but discuss what they plan to replace it with. Encouraging a semester-long commitment to each activity helps foster perseverance.

Evaluate the Experience:
If your child wishes to quit, consider if it’s the activity itself or perhaps the instructor or facility that isn’t the right fit. Remember, you have the flexibility to choose a learning environment that aligns with your family’s needs and values.

Explore Private Lessons:
Don’t overlook private tutoring for activities like music, languages, or crafts. Often, you can find affordable instructors willing to come to your home, providing a personalized learning experience.

Leverage Technology:
If cost or time is a significant concern, create a curated YouTube playlist for your child. This approach has worked wonders for my children in learning new skills and preparing for more formal lessons. The wealth of knowledge available online is unprecedented and can be a valuable supplement to in-person learning.

Conclusion

Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to homeschooling or extracurricular activities. The priority is to do the best you can with the resources you have, and in doing so, you’re already doing a fantastic job.

With love and encouragement,
The Mom at Here They Grow