Choosing Extracurricular Activities in Middle School

One of the many benefits to middle school is the selection of school activities, also known as extracurricular activities. Some schools offer activities before and after school. Activities range from art classes to athletic teams and social clubs. Consider having a conversation with your child before sending him off to the sign-up sheet.

Four questions to narrow the list

1. What types of activities interest you? Create a list of interesting activities, sports or hobbies you enjoy.
2. Do the early morning hours interest you or does an after school activity sound more appealing?
3. How much time do you need to finish the nightly homework? Extracurricular means something extra in addition to the usual school work. Look at time commitments for activities that interest you. Some activities require daily participation while others occur less frequently.
4. Do you enjoy a variety of activities? Some school activities and clubs can last an entire year. If you like variety, consider an activity with a shorter commitment, so you can join another club later.

With a few extra minutes of thinking time your child can narrow the list of possibilities and select an activity that matches her interests and level of commitment. Joining multiple teams, club and activities at the beginning of the year can lead to becoming overwhelmed. Take it slow, and remember middle school lasts for a few years. There is plenty of time to try every activity of interest.