As schools across the UAE settle into the rhythm of the new academic year, families are adjusting to new timetables, teachers and routines, and also looking for opportunities to enrich their children’s experiences. Among the many questions parents ask at this time of year, one comes up again and again: "Which extra-curricular activity is right for my child?"
Extra-Curricular Activities, or ECAs, are much more than a way to fill afternoons after lessons end. They are an essential part of a child’s growth, offering avenues for creativity, physical development, social connection and problem-solving. From arts and crafts and sports to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) based clubs, ECAs provide opportunities for children to explore their interests, discover hidden talents, and build essential life skills.
However with so many options available, how can parents guide their children towards the right activity?
When chosen thoughtfully, ECAs can play a powerful role in shaping a child’s character, interests, and even academic success. Connector spoke to experts to better understand the benefits of ECAs and how parents can support their children in making the right choice.
Why Extra-Curricular Activities Matter
ECAs are integral to a child’s overall development. They are not simply add-ons to the school timetable. They play an important role in developing the 'whole child' and can have a direct impact on their academic growth and future success.
“Extra-curricular activities play a vital role in shaping the whole child for long-term fulfilment, meaning and success”, explains Steve Arnold, Principal of Ranches Primary School. “At the primary level in particular, broad exposure matters most. Passions and lifelong pathways often start here, but so too does the scaffolding for higher-order thinking”.
Steve Arnold from Ranches Primary School also emphasises that ECAs contribute directly to learning outcomes, not just personal enjoyment, and says, “What is often overlooked is that these activities are not simply ‘extras’. They directly contribute to cognitive, and therefore academic, development. By engaging different modes of thinking, children strengthen neural pathways, deepen their capacity to make connections across domains, and ultimately enhance academic outcomes”.
Stephen Quinn, Principal of Horizon International School, notes that the value of ECAs lies in their ability to nurture multiple dimensions of a child’s growth simultaneously, and adds that the skills developed in these activities extend far beyond the classrooms.
The Three Major Types Of ECAs
While schools in the UAE now offer a vast array of after-school clubs and activities, most fall under three broad categories: arts and crafts, sports and STEM. Understanding the unique benefits of each can help parents match activities to their child’s personality and interests.
1. Arts And Crafts
This category is broad and includes visual arts such as drawing, painting, and sculpture, as well as performance-based activities like music, dance, drama, and creative writing. These activities provide children with a vital outlet for self-expression, particularly important in the school years when children are learning to understand and articulate emotions.
"Arts and crafts nurture creativity, self-expression, and fine motor skills", says both experts.
"It also encourages children to think divergently and connect ideas in new ways", added Steve Arnold from Ranches Primary School.
For parents, arts and crafts-based ECAs may be especially suitable for children who enjoy imaginative play, storytelling or working with their hands. Signs to look for include a child who loves doodling during free time, shows excitement in music lessons or frequently role-plays at home.
2. Sports
From traditional team sports like football, basketball, and cricket, to individual activities such as swimming, gymnastics, or athletics, sports ECAs have long been a staple in schools. Beyond physical fitness, they teach life skills that are just as crucial in the classroom. Sports also give children confidence and a sense of belonging.
Parents might notice their child has a natural inclination toward physical play, enjoys running or climbing, or shows strong energy levels that benefit from structured outlets. For such children, sports ECAs can provide both joy and balance.
Experts agree that sports build resilience, teamwork, discipline and emotional regulation, which are critical skills in the classroom as they are on the playing field.
3. STEM
In recent years, STEM-based ECAs have gained significant traction across the UAE, reflecting the region’s focus on innovation and future-ready skills. These include coding, robotics, science clubs, mathematics challenges, and engineering-based projects.
“STEM-based activities fuel curiosity, problem-solving, and logical reasoning”, Steve Arnold from Ranches Primary School explains. “But they also benefit from the imagination and creativity sparked in other pursuits”.
Stephen Quinn from Horizon International School emphasised how STEM activities help build persistence and confidence in the face of challenge and adds, "They foster critical thinking, and curiosity".
Parents who notice their child enjoying building with Lego, solving puzzles, tinkering with gadgets, or asking endless 'why' questions, may find STEM activities a natural fit.
How Parents Can Identify The Right ECA
Both experts agree that parents should resist the urge to choose activities based solely on obvious talent. Instead, they should focus on observing their child's interest, curiosity joy, and emotional engagement with different activities.
Steve Arnold from Ranches Primary School says, "Children may light up when talking about an activity, or lose track of time while doing it. Sometimes the best indicator is not instant success but a willingness to persist even when the task is difficult".
Steve Arnold from Ranches Primary School also notes, "It also helps to notice natural tendencies. Some children are drawn to movement and teamwork, others to making and experimenting, others still to storytelling or performance".
Stephen Quinn from Horizon International School adds, "If a child is energised by group settings, team sports may suit them; if they prefer independent, detailed work, arts or STEM might be a better fit. Key signs include whether the child willingly practices, talks positively about the activity, and gains confidence from participation. The best match is one where the child feels both challenged and fulfilled".
Here are some expert-recommended practical steps for parents:
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Expose children to variety: Encourage children to try different ECAs in their early years, so they can discover where their genuine interests lie.
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Watch for persistence: A child who keeps practising a skill, even when it is difficult, is showing signs of deep engagement.
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Notice energy levels: Some children thrive in group, high-energy settings, while others prefer quiet, independent activities. Identify these early on.
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Balance workload: ECAs should complement, not overwhelm, academic commitments. Too many activities can lead to burnout.
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Prioritise enjoyment: Ultimately, the right ECA is one that brings joy and allows the child to grow in confidence.
For parents, the task is to watch, listen, and guide, ensuring that this school year, your child not only studies hard but also thrives in the activities that bring them joy.