It is argued that children should take part in scheduled activities such as art, music classes and sports during after-school time, while others believe that spar time is necessary for playing and relaxing. This essay will examine both perspectives before explaining why I believe a balance between both claims is more ideal for children.
On the one hand, children should participate in extracurricular classes for some reasons. Firstly, this helps children explore their hidden talents. As these classes expose them to a wide range of activities under instruction of experienced teachers, children can test their interest and receive feedback about their strengths. For instance, a child when practicing numerous instruments in music classes, realizes that she picks up piano more quickly than guitar. Once aware of their innate ability, children can have more chance to foster their talent, thereby laying a foundation for professional career later. Secondly, these organized activities allow children to avoid unhealthy habits such as excessive screen time. When children’s after-school hours are spent on commitments such as swimming, art, they are left with little idle time. Therefore, instead of playing videos game after school, they engage in creative and physical activities that demand their full attention. Over time, this routine can protect them from eye strain, phone addiction.
On the other hand, having leisure time after school can bring numerous merits for children. Chief among these is that children can have sufficient time for recovering after stressful school day. Because after-school hours provide a free time that does not require any cognitive load. Children can fully disengage from their study for relaxing activities. As a result, this recovery gives them more energy to get ready for the following day without fatigue or stress. Another benefit is to develop social skills, particularly cooperation and conflict resolution. Unlike organized classes, where adults set rules, free play requires children to make decisions themselves. Therefore, they have to negotiate game rules, decide turns and diffuse contradiction. Through repeated experiences, children can be more confident in teamwork activities at school and in the workplace.
In conclusion, while structured classes help children discover hidden talents and avoid unhealthy routines, free after-school hours allows them to rest and develop social skills naturally. Personally, I am more incline to strike a balance between both approaches, enabling children to have some days for planned activities and the others for resting.