Activities

An enrichment program is a supplementary educational program designed to enhance

students' academic experience and challenge them academically. It is not a replacement for

the core curriculum, but rather an addition to it.

There are many different types of enrichment activities that can be used in an enrichment

program. Education is no longer only about learning to read and write or adding and subtracting.

It is about using engagement activities that challenge the student both mentally and

physically. Learning does not only take place in the traditional manner of the teacher as the

lecturer and the students as the recipient. Students need to be actively involved in their

education and enrichment in school is the way to accomplish this.

Why is Enrichment Important?

Involving students in enrichment activities can help students discover a greater sense of self. This occurs as students begin to realize for themselves why they have been unmotivated in class while giving them the motivation and resources to become engaged. Many academically advanced students suffer from anxiety because they feel different but are not sure why. The programs and resources provided by academic enrichment programs not only improve classroom performance but also the student’s self-confidence as they begin to realize their potential.

Academic enrichment programs do not only benefit the academically gifted student. These activities and programs provide educational growth opportunities for students of all levels. This includes the students who often feel overstimulated by classroom lessons and struggle to keep up with their peers.

Benefits of Enrichment

Providing enrichment in school is a necessary component for ensuring a well-rounded education. As newly engaged learners begin to understand who they are as a person and as a learner they learn how to become and stay motivated during the school day. Enrichment has also been shown to improve study skills, an area where many students struggle. By learning time management skills, test preparation strategies, and other useful study skills, students will see both their grades and confidence improve. As students move farther along in school, this is even more important as the curriculum content continues to increase and advance.

Engagement is another important factor in school enrichment. When a student feels disengaged from the content, they will not recognize the importance or need to study the material or complete the work. These are the students who have a blank look on their face when asked a question. Enrichment activities help to get students interested in what they are learning which in turn creates engagement.

Motivation is also crucial to student success. Most students are more likely to be motivated to participate in classroom lessons, activities, and discussions when they feel challenged. Allowing students to dig deeper into thought-provoking questions and analyze them beyond the surface level helps learners to see not only their potential but that their ideas are valuable and insightful. This sudden realization that the enrichment has caused is almost as if they are opening their eyes for the first time. All students work at different rates, so allowing them to set the pace of their learning will also motivate students to continue a path of lifelong learning.