Abstract

Research indicates that participation in extracurricular activities affects students’

academic performance. More specifically, studies have been conducted assessing the effects of

specific extracurricular activities on academic performance. The purpose of this study was to

determine whether or not the activities in which junior high school students choose to participate

have an effect on their academic performance. Sports, dance, band, community service, church

groups, student council, chess club, and many more are all part of the term extracurricular

activities. These activities have been around for many years and different organizations came up

with ways where kids and teenagers can get involved. This literature review provides the

definition of what a extracurricular activity is and what is consider one. It gives information of

the history on why and when extracurricular activities were created. It recognizes the impact that

these extracurricular activities can have in a student life. It provides different views on the

benefits and problems with these activities. An interview will provide a story of how a life was

changed and statistical data of how many joined these different activities. It is very common for

students to join these activities during their school years and

the data will provie how many of thesis students joined during junior high school.

Staying physically fit is important for children’s growth whether they are at school or

playing with friends; that is why it is important for children to engage in some form of physical

activity during the day. The extent of children’s physical health involves how active they are

during the day as well as after school; therefore, to ensure children are getting the appropriate

amount of physical activity, parents make an assertive effort to have them participate in

extracurricular activities after school as well as on weekends. An extracurricular activity is not

always a sport; it can also include clubs and organizations as well as cheerleading, dance, band

and the arts. Even though remaining active is beneficial for a child’s overall growth and

development; too much of it is not good especially when it relates to his/her social, emotional

and educational well-being. The journals, articles and reviews take pro and con positions as it

relates to children’s participation in extracurricular activities. The information in the readings

consists of an array of ages from elementary through high school that gives more of a perspective

view