Rakesh Das, founder, Klapus – a subscription-based co-curricular activities learning platform.
Co-curricular activities are defined as activities that complement the curricular studies or core syllabus and should be explored hand in hand with academics. An important component of education, it helps improve a student’s personality while also enhancing classroom learning.
Co-curricular education has gained wide support while catering to cultural, social and aesthetic development of the child. The activities enable students to develop problem-solving, reasoning, critical thinking, creative thinking, communication, and collaboration skills.
More often than not, driven by a passion to excel in their chosen fields, the youth migrate to the metros and bigger cities for better opportunities and resources. However, amidst the restricitions on travel and movement prompted by the Covid-19 pandemic, it has become extremely challenging to venture outside their hometowns. This in turn has impacted their financials and hindered their personal development. However, the accelerating pace of digitalisation over the past decade and mushrooming of various apps have provided the students and youth from smaller cities and towns several digital platforms to pursue their dreams even during the pandemic.
It is imperative for parents to provide their children with ample opportunities to hone their skills in the co-curricular domain. Hobbies can help with time management and boosting self-esteem while also contributing to the holistic education of the child. Parents should be aware of their child’s likes and dislikes from a young age, and if there is a hobby he/she is keen on pursuing, parents should encourage the child. Several studies have shown that children with hobbies perform better academically, so encouragement for extra-curricular activities is extremely important.
“The story of every human being starts from his childhood days.” Their motive of life, priorities of life, passion to follow, learning skills, important decisions, and choices — all are somehow connected to the childhood days. As a child, we all seek knowledge and curiosity to know things around us that help in many ways even when we become adults. Therefore it is important for parents to provide a progressive and supportive environment at home. This will enable the children to make the right decisions in the future. However, their is no age limit to learn new things or pursue their hobbies to finally achieve your dreams.
Have you ever noticed your child loves to sing and dance or any other activities? Are they interested with taking things apart to build them again, or are they always in the garden recording the creatures they see? These can be considered indications of hobbies children can delve into; read on to find out how, as a parent, you can encourage your child to try something they like.
How to nurture your child’s hobbies
Observe their interests and provide options.
Give them space, a safe environment and equipment.
Engage yourself in their activities.
Be supportive, don’t push them to pursue your own hobbies.
Respect their choices and celebrate their achievements.