Things You Don’t Learn in a Classroom

Several weeks ago, Katie posted about her decision to start her son in some extracurricular activities. I am a big fan of children and extra curricular activities like sports or the arts. We live in such a busy world that you definitely have to keep things balanced, and not schedule every moment of your child’s day. But getting them involved in activities outside your home or school is key to helping them learn many lessons that they can’t learn in any classroom.

Caitlyn getting ready for one of her dance recitals.

Both my girls take dance classes, and Kylie and John David have been taking TaeKwonDo for several years now. I have watched my children grow and mature throughout the years, learning many things from their time at dance class, or martial arts class. These lessons have in many instances been important skills and lessons they will need to function in the real world some day. For instance, John David probably won’t need to know how to perform a front snap kick and break a board when he grows up. But he will need the skills of persistence and determination, trying something over and over until he succeeds without giving up. This is a skill that his years of TaeKwonDo have helped him learn.

Here’s a few of the other important lessons being involved in extra curricular activities have taught my children…

Kylie and a friend she made at dance class.

• How to Make Friends
• Self Confidence
• Discipline
• Team Work
• Sportsmanship
• How to Resolve Conflict Peacefully
• How to Follow Instructions

As with anything important in life, these lessons haven’t come without a price. Time, money, and effort have been spent on these activities by my husband and I. Sometimes we’ve had to cut certain activities (like Caitlyn’s violin lessons) due to finances or schedule constraints. Making the decision on which activities to make sacrifices for isn’t always easy. We take into consideration many things, including our children’s passions and personalities. But it’s moments like an end of the year dance recital or John David and Kylie’s upcoming black belt test that makes it all worth it. Those are the moments your child shines, exuding joy and self confidence. It’s those times you see just how much they’ve grown and matured, how much they’ve accomplished, and just how much these activities have taught them. I’m so thankful to the coaches and instructors my children have had over the years. They’ve helped us teach our children about life and how to live it successfully.

Are your children involved in sports or other extra curricular activities? What lesson have you seen them learn through their experience?