When it comes to extramural activities, International Schools in Tokyo are very encouraging of these. As it is, Japanese schools are known for inculcating a sense of hard work and discipline in their students and while this stands them in good stead in their lives ahead students do crave a break from that kind of a routine from time to time. That is what indulging in extramural activities provides them with. Trying their hand at things like tennis, dancing, swimming and so on is really refreshing for their minds, souls and bodies.
What are extramural activities?
Extramural activities define those activities that take place alongside curricular activities. In essence, these are activities that occur outside the classroom. Such activities are important as they allow students to develop skills and abilities other than that of the academic type, but equally important. These are activities that compliment and add to what is learnt in the classroom and promote holistic learning.
Why are Extramural Activities Important for Childhood Development?
Extramural activities are a must for school and college going individuals as it prepares them for life as much as academics do. Let us look at the specific reasons:
1. Promotes bodily growth – School and college going individuals are growing both mentally and physically. Indulging in extramural activities involves a lot of physical activity which is excellent for the bodily growth of the young people.
2. Good for mental health – Staying cooped up in classrooms all the time can be mentally stifling and allowing students to get some exercise outdoors by way of extramural activities is good for their mental health and well being.
3. Promotes social bonding and teamwork – Outdoor activities like playing games or indulging in sports often involve teamwork and intense social interaction which helps young people to learn about the all-important skills of social bonding and teamwork.
4. Leads to abiding interests – Participating in outdoor activities often lead to children developing abiding interests in sports and other activities.
5. Teaches long term commitments – Taking part in extramural activities requires students to follow schedules and work as part of a team, teaching them the importance of long term commitment. This is especially true of Japanese High Schools in Japan.
6. Helps students choose their career – Students who are particularly good at activities like sports can later take these up professionally.
7. Helps develop a sense of self worth – Students who don’t fare particularly well in studies, but do so in extramural activities develop a fine sense of self worth.
8. Teaches discipline and the value of hard work- The performing of extramural activities on a regular and sustained basis drills a sense of self-worth into children from an early age.
How to Choose Extra Mural Activities At School?
There are a range of extramural activities one can take up at schools. However, it is important that one takes up something that one has an aptitude for. That is something that students can themselves take a call on or their teachers could help spot talent or aptitude for certain activities in certain students.
Top 7 Benefits of Extramural Activities For Students in School?
Let us look at these below-
1. Exposure to sports – That can be a life changing experience for many.
2. Develop a love for the outdoors – A love for the outdoors can be developed on account of extramural activities at school leading to a lifetime of fun and adventure.
3. Striking deep bonds of friendship – Friendships struck on the football pitch or tennis courts can last a lifetime.
3. Good for cognitive health – Indulging in extramural activities is known to be good for the cognitive health of students.
4. Improves attendance in school – Schools that have a fair amount of extramural activity occur on a regular basis are likely to see improved attendance.
5. Fosters a spirit of competition – Extramural activities that involve competition between individuals or teams help develop that spirit in school going children at an early age.
6. Teaches school children how to strive to win – Many extramural activities of the sporting kind require school children to strive to win, which is a good trait to develop.
What is the difference between intramural, extramural activities, and extracurricular activities?
Activities performed within the confines of a school are intramural and those beyond are extramural.While extramural and intramural activities are independent of whatever is going on as part of the academic structure, extracurricular activities on the other hand though similar in nature are part of the overall academic system followed by a school.
Examples of Extramural Activities, Intramural Activities, and Extracurricular Activities
Let us take a look at five examples of each-
Extramural Activities
1. Interschool football competition – Any sporting competition between schools is a good example of an extramural activity.
2. Interschool general knowledge contest – A general knowledge contest between two school teams is a fine example of extramural activity.
3. Interschool debate – An inter school debate too constitutes an extramural activity.
4. Inter School drama festival – Participating in an inter school drama festival is a fine example of an extramural activity.
5. Inter School music festival – Taking part in an inter school music festival in an extramural activity too.
Intramural Activities
1. Card Games – Playing card games is an example of intramural activity carried out in a school or college campus.
2. BasketBall- Playing on basketball courts within the school or college campus defines a type of intramural activity.
3. Football- Playing football on the school or college pitches in an intramural activity.
4. Debating Society- Being part of a school debating society too constitutes an intramural activity.
5. Theater-Participating in school or college theater is an intramural activity.
Extracurricular Activities
1. Community Service- Providing community service is an example of extracurricular activity that school students might get involved with.
2. Biology Club- Being part of a biology club is an extracurricular activity.
3. History Club- Participating in the activities of a history club is an extracurricular activity.
4. Sports Activity- Participating in any manner of sports activity is an extracurricular activity.
5. Chess Club- Being part of a chess club is an extracurricular activity too.
See Also – List of Co Curricular Activities for Kindergarten
Conclusion
Extramural activities are a must for school and college students as there is much more to life than mere academics. Extramural activities help youngsters get physical exercise and learn social skills which leads to their overall development in a major way.
FAQs
What are good extramural activities?
These would include sports, cultural, literary and artistic activities carried out outside the campus.
What is the effect of extramural activities on students’ academics?
The impact on academics is quite good as extramural activities have a great impact on the students’ cognitive abilities.
What are the main objectives of extramural activities, intramural activities, and extracurricular activities?
The main objectives pertain to providing a holistic education to students that help them develop social skills as well make them find out where their strengths and aptitude lie.
How does the school conduct an extramural competition?
By getting the students to participate in inter school sports and other competitions.
What age do students get to participate in extra-mural activities?
There is no defined age as such and it really depends upon the personality of the child. That being stated, such activities are generally started at ages 2 to 3.
