Although many children dislike the subject, PE is a vital part of the curriculum. It teaches children the importance of staying fit and healthy, and helps them develop good habits from an early age. Aside from scheduled lesson time, there are heaps of opportunities for children to play and exercise at school. We’ve teamed up with a secondary school in Kingston upon Thames to explore the importance of sports in schools and the benefit it has on children.
Physical Health
There is obviously the intended benefit which is improved physical health and wellbeing. Sports lessons get children exercising and teach them about the importance of taking care of their physical health. According to experts, those between the ages of 6 and 17 should be active for at least 60 minutes every day. However, only around 20% of boys and girls actually meet these targets as they spend most of their time completely sedentary.
New Skills
Sports are very different to usual lessons, so give children the opportunity to develop a whole new range of skills, such as their gross motor skills, social skills and many others.
Builds Confidence
To follow on from the point above, as your child develops new skills, their self-esteem and confidence will grow.
Improves Mental Health
There are also tremendous benefits that it can have on their mental health as exercise is a way that children can channel their emotions and grow their self-esteem. In addition, it releases “feel good” chemicals called endorphins that relieve stress and anxiety.
Ability to Concentrate
It is also believed that exercise releases dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin in the brain. These chemicals positively affect concentration and can help children with their academic performance at school.
Sporting Talents
To continue down the academic path, sport offers a range of interesting career opportunities. Having a heavy emphasis on sports can therefore be beneficial for children as they can explore their talents and make strides towards a sporting career.
Teamworking Skills
Sports also teach children the importance of working together and helps them build vital skills such as team working and leadership.
Builds Resilience
In life children will come across many setbacks that must be overcome. As sports introduces children to winning and losing, it helps them develop resilience and a growth mindset.
Breaks Up the School Day
It also breaks up the school day, making it exciting and something to look forward to.
Alongside the sports activities your child will have the opportunity to take part in, it’s important that they continue with exercise and practice at home. This will ensure that they meet daily recommendations, get stronger and improve on their ability.