MyTeacherToolsWith parents struggling to get their children to go outside, children aren’t getting the recommended level of exercise that they need to maintain a healthy lifestyle. According to research carried out pre-covid in 2019, only 18% of children in the UK meet the Chief Medical Officer’s guidelines and spend 60 minutes a day participating in physical activity. PE is a compulsory part of the curriculum at school, giving children no other choice than to engage. It teaches them how to take care of their health and wellbeing while giving them the chance to try out different sports and find ones that they like. Here are some benefits of PE below.
Chance to Build Friendships
In PE, your child will have the chance to work with other children as most sports involve group work. They will learn how to work alongside others to achieve a common goal.
Mental Health
Aside from the physical health aspects, sport can do a lot for a child’s mental health. It gives them a way of release and letting go of any stress that they feel. Additionally, endorphins are released when exercising which helps to calm the body and makes us feel happier. There’s also a sense of fulfilment. To begin with, your child may not be the best at what they play but slowly and surely, they will improve. Their self-esteem will grow as their ability does and they will feel more confident in themselves.
Brain Health
A lesser-known fact about sport is that it helps children to grow and strengthen their memory. A part of the brain that is known as the Hippocampus is responsible for memory and it is made stronger through cardiovascular exercise. This can help them greatly at school as exams are like memory games.
