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Nama : Kurniawan Wira Rizki
NIM : 11210183000084
Kelas/Prodi : 2C/PGMI


Mini Research Guidelines (Hortatory Exposition Speech) “Mandatory Extracurricular Activities for Elementary Students”

Thesis (Introduction of the issue and speaker's position):
Education is not only about academic achievement. It is about preparing students to live meaningful, balanced, and responsible lives. Elementary school students are in their golden age of development, where they need not only cognitive input, but also emotional, social, and moral experiences. For this reason, extracurricular activities should not be seen as optional add-ons, but as essential parts of the learning process. Therefore, I strongly believe that extracurricular activities should be mandatory for all elementary students.

Arguments (Supporting reasons and evidence):
There are several strong reasons behind this stance. First, extracurricular activities help children develop important life skills such as teamwork, leadership, time management, and responsibility. According to a report by UNICEF Indonesia (2021), involving children in structured non-academic activities enhances their self-confidence and social skills. These are things that cannot be taught effectively through textbooks or exams.
Second, a study published in the Journal of Character Education (UNNES, 2022) found that students who consistently participated in extracurricular programs demonstrated better behavior, discipline, and a stronger sense of responsibility. In short, these activities are an effective tool for character education, which is one of the main goals of early schooling.
Third, in an Islamic context, the importance of managing time wisely is clearly stated in the Qur’an. Surah Al-Insyirah verse 7 reads: “Fa-idzaa faraghta fanshab”, meaning “So when you have finished (your duties), then strive for another (task).” This verse reminds us that children should not spend their free time in vain. Instead, they should engage in meaningful activities like extracurriculars that help them grow physically, mentally, and spiritually.3
Now, why make extracurricular activities mandatory? The answer is simple: to ensure equal opportunity for all students. Not every child has the confidence, family support, or awareness to join clubs or activities on their own. By making it mandatory, schools give every child, regardless of background, a chance to explore their talents, interests, and values.
Moreover, in today’s digital era, many children spend their afternoons watching TV or playing on gadgets. With mandatory extracurriculars, their time is redirected toward more productive and engaging experiences that are also fun and meaningful. Activities like sports, arts, Quran recitation, nature exploration, or drama clubs can become spaces where learning feels exciting and real.
Some may argue that students are already tired after class. That is a valid concern. However, well-designed extracurricular programs are not meant to burden students, they should be tailored to be enjoyable, flexible, and interest-based. One child may love soccer, another may enjoy painting, and someone else may thrive in a science club. When given proper guidance, extracurriculars can be the most enjoyable part of a student’s school experience.

Recommendation (Conclusion and call to action):
In conclusion, making extracurricular activities mandatory for elementary students is not about forcing them to do more, it is about giving them the right environment to grow holistically. These activities offer real-world lessons that textbooks can’t teach. They build character, enhance confidence, and promote lifelong values. Let us support this policy not just for the sake of school, but for the sake of building a better generation.
This video is a project for our English class, taught by Ibu Viviana Lisma Lestari, M.Pd.