Benefits of CCAs

Co-curricular activities (CCAs) are activities undertaken by children to complement the school curriculum. CCAs are a key component of an all-round education, as they help children to develop qualities that will enhance their future, including skills like resilience, tenacity, confidence and perseverance. ⁽¹⁾

Participation in CCAs is not just about gaining points or adding to a child's testimonial. Explains Mr. Wong Suen Kwong, co-founder of the Centre for Fathering, "Your aim is to encourage the child and give him opportunities to grow and mature."

Through participation in sports and games such as basketball, softball, swimming, and tennis, children learn co-operation, teamwork and fair play. Activities in uniformed groups such as the National Cadet Corps and Scouts help develop self-reliance, discipline and a spirit of service to others, while performing arts groups such as the band, choir and dance club inculcate an appreciation of the rich culture and heritage of Singapore's multi-racial society.

Clubs and societies such as computer club, chess club, debating society, photography club can help children nurture hidden talents, while possibly fuelling a life-long interest in a particular activity. ⁽²⁾

Tips for Choosing a CCA

The long-term benefits of CCAs are clear, but it is important for children to choose their CCAs wisely in order to get the most out of them.

1. Involve the Child in the Decision

Discuss the available options with the child, and involve him or her in the decision. The child will be more likely to commit to a CCA if it is something that he enjoys and wants to do. There's nothing worse than a parent forcing a child into an activity in which he has no interest, as it will most likely lead the child to resent both the parent and the activity. ⁽³⁾

2. Research the CCAs

Find out what activities are available from the child's school. Fathers can also speak to other parents to get recommendations for well-conducted CCAs that their children particularly enjoyed.

One relevant consideration in evaluating CCAs is the potential cost involved. Some CCAs involve a fee, or require the purchase of uniforms, costumes or special equipment. If a child is keen on participating in a CCA that is outside of the family's budget, consider having the child earn some of the funds required for the CCA, if appropriate. This will help teach them responsibility and the value of money.

Do you Know?

• Some activities are covered by Edusave.

• Students who excel in their CCAs even qualify for the Edusave Awards for Achievemennt, Good Leadership and Service (EAGLES)

• You can speak to the teacher-in-charge to find out if the school has any funds to support the child in his endeavours.

3. Know the Child's Strengths and Interests

Find out what the child likes to do or does well in. It helps if the child has already shown an interest in certain activities, as there may be a CCA that allows the child to utilise talents he already possesses, or which may be a better fit. For example, an extroverted child may prefer team sports such as soccer, while a more introverted child may excel more in a sport like swimming or athletics.

However, don't rule out CCAs that will expose the child to something new and different that can provide the opportunity for growth. Helping a child choose a CCA that is outside of his comfort zone can be great way to help expand his horizons.

4. Fit the CCA into the Family Schedule

If the child is interested in participating in several activities, then some planning may be required. How much time will the child need to commit to each CCA? In general, sports and uniformed groups take up more time than clubs and societies.

Be mindful that CCAs should not take up all of a child's time outside the school day. There should still be time for play, schoolwork, family time, social activities and rest. It is a question of balancing these different pursuits at the end of the day. CCAs should complement a child's life, not complicate it.

Helping the Child Make the Right Fit

Children who have a special interest or talent in specific areas can be given the opportunity to cultivate these talents through CCAs. Once a child makes a commitment to a CCA, he should be encouraged to follow through with it even if the activity isn't quite what he expected. The child will learn the important lesson of seeing something through from beginning to end, which will be useful later in life.

Fathers may be better placed to help their children adjust to the demands of a new activity, because of their different parenting styles. Compared to mothers, fathers are more willing to let their children take risks, and are prepared to wait before jumping in.

Fathers also provide less immediate support in the face of a child's frustration, thus promoting adaptive problem-solving competencies. ⁽⁴⁾ "Dads often let their children get more frustrated than mums will," explains Kyle Pruett, Ph.D."They seem to feel it's important for kids to learn to sort out problems on their own. It's the way dads prepare their kids for the real world." ⁽⁵⁾

While CCAs can encourage children to explore diverse activities and expose them to different experiences, it is not uncommon for a child's interests to change over time. When that occurs, there is no point compelling a child into continuing with an activity that he shows distress participating in.

It’s important to teach a child perseverance, but it’s also wise to be flexible and adaptable. If it turns out that the activity really requires “squeezing a circle into a square peg", then allow the child to make a switch.

A father must be prepared to allow the child to explore and find out about himself and not push him too hard. "If he does not take well to a CCA, it’s alright to change to another," assures Mr. Wong.

Supporting the Child in CCA

Fathers can support their children's CCAs in a number of ways. They can demonstrate an interest in the child's programmes and activities through attendance at games and recitals.

Fathers with children taking part in sports and games can learn the names of their child's coaches and friends in the CCA. Better yet, fathers can meet with the school and learn how they can help out in activities.

If the child is taking part in an activity that his father is also passionate about, this provides a wonderful opportunity for the pair to enjoy the activity together. Fathers teach by example, and a father's genuine enthusiasm for an activity can help spark a similar interest in the child.

"My son was always curious about my love for golf, so he was really excited when he found out that his school was offering golf as a CCA," says a father, 35, who sees their shared interest as a way for them to spend more quality time together. He credits their occasional golf games with bringing their relationship closer.

The thing to remember for fathers is the importance of staying involved in their children's CCAs. Research has shown that "when fathers are involved in their children's education including attending school meetings and volunteering at school, children were more likely to get A's, enjoy school, and participate in extracurricular activities and less likely to have repeated a grade."⁽⁶⁾

References

1. Ministry of Education, Singapore (MOE). (March 2010). Primary School Education – Preparing Your Child for Tomorrow. Retrieved from: http://www.moe.gov.sg/education/primary/files/primary-school-education-booklet.pdf

2. MOE Co-Curricular Activities Branch. (2006). Co-Curricular Activities Guidelines. Retrieved from: http://www3.moe.edu.sg/ccab/

3. Bochan, T. L. (2004). Best Bets for After School. Retrieved from: http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=1294

4. Pruett, K. (2000). Fatherneed: Why Father Care Is as Essential as Mother Care for Your Child. New York: Free Press.

5. Bloch, E. (2008). Why Dad's Parenting Technique Can Be Better. Retrieved from: http://www.parenting.com/article/Pregnancy/Relationships/Why-Dads-Parenting-Technique-Can-Be-Better

6. Nord, C.W., Brimhall, D. & West, J. (1997). Fathers' Involvement in Their Children's Schools. (NCES 98-091). Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics. ED 409 125.

About the Author: The Dads for Life Resource Team comprises local content writers and experts, including psychologists, counsellors, educators and social service professionals, dedicated to developing useful resources for dads.