Effectiveness of Extra-curricular Activities in the Self-Development of Primary School Students

The research aims to study the impact of attending extra-curricular activities on the self-perception of primary school students. The survey was conducted by using a questionnaire to determine students’ self-perception in order to study their striving for independence. The obtained results were compared through Student’s t-test. Primary school students who attend extra-curricular activities have statistically higher self-perception of scores than those who do not attend such activities. Children’s striving for independence increases with age, but this is significantly influenced by their attendance in extra-curricular activities. Primary school students who attend activities of tourism, sports, and dance clubs have statistically higher self-perception indicators for the subscales of Physical Appearance and Athletic Competence than those who attend extra-curricular activities on music, art, and design. Extra-curricular activities contribute to a better self-perception of children of primary school age, and have a positive effect on their self-development and striving for independence. The results of the student survey indicate the need for a rational selection of extra-curricular activities, their types, and quantity for effective development and prevention of student overload.