Want to Help Kids Improve Academically? GET THEM MOVING!!
kids, activity, cognitive developmen, fitness, free play
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Want to help your kids do better in school ? Get them moving. That’s the message from a growing field of research linking physical activity with better academic performance.
At a time when many schools have reduced or eliminated gym classes and recess, experts say the worry goes beyond the childhood obesity epidemic.
The concern is no longer JUST that kids face obesity and health risks down the road.. Research indicates that inactive kids might not do as well in school as their fit peers
In one of the latest studies in this field, researchers found that middle-school students who performed best on fitness tests — which gauged aerobic capacity, strength, endurance, flexibility and body composition — performed better academically as well.
Experts speculate that exercise may boost academic performance in various ways, including: burning off pent-up energy and allowing kids to pay attention better and focus on their work; boosting self-esteem and mood; and increasing blood flow to the brain, helping with memory and concentration.
Studies in older people have found that cognitive function is significantly better among those who are active. Now we're seeing data that shows the benefit of activity in children's cognitive development too!
Some educators say they notice a difference, too. In a nonscientific poll, teachers noted that kids' alertness and attention span improve after short breaks that include physical activity.
Organized sports not always the best answer
So if your child’s school is lacking in PE and recess, should you hurry to sign your kid up for sports? Not necessarily. While sports certainly can help kids to shape up, regular free play — at the playground or your backyard — may work just as well or even better. Coaches in competitive sports obviously give the most play time to the most skilled players. Sitting on the bench for most of ... read entire entry
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on 10/6/2008
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