Contrary to some beliefs, moving around can also benefit kids in the classroom.
Love gym class? This is your time. Throughout the week, the Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE America) is promoting P.E and sports programs in schools across the country. There are activities to download, ways to share your success stories online, and a chance to be inspired by kids who are taking strides with their teachers to get moving at school.
But isn’t school all about academics? In recent years, some educators have come to think so.
Stories of recess being eliminated and phys ed classes being cut back and cancelled altogether abound. Some feel there just isn’t enough time in the school day for students to get through their required school work.
Related: Kids Who Do This at Soccer Have 50% Fewer Injuries
How we all did it in the past remains a mystery, but one thing is for certain: the more kids actually get to exercise, the better their brains work.
How do we know? Well, most adults who take up a healthier, more active lifestyle will say it’s benefited their muscles and also their thinking. If you’re more fit, you have more energy, a clearer mind and you sleep better. Science is now backing up this claim, when it comes to kids.
Better Reading and Math Scores
A study completed in Finland back in 2014 found that boys who have higher levels of exercise in the first three years of school, experience better academic achievement.
The study looked at 186 Finnish children in 1st through 3rd grade. It assessed their different levels of physical activity and how they related to their arithmetic and reading skills.
Students who had higher levels of physical activity at recess and who walked or bicycled to school showed better reading skills.
And those who participated in organized sports scored higher on math tests.
(According to the study, increased physical activity had little effect on girls of the same age and their academic performance, but surely getting active is a good thing for all).
So grab that soccer ball, jump on the jungle gym and race on those pedals to school, kids.
Trust your instincts to get up and move: they’re doing you good.
Photo credits: Hurst Photo/Shutterstock.com
