How Physical Activities Can Enhance your Child’s Academic Performance
We know that every parent wants the best for their child across all aspects of their life. Making strong social connections, forming lifelong bonds with their family, developing hobbies, and advancing their education all take top priority. However, sometimes missing from that list is a proper emphasis on a good amount of physical activity. Staying physically active might not seem important when viewed on its own, but it’s a vital part of a well-rounded childhood and a smooth transition into adulthood.
Physical activity provides more than passive benefits to your child’s well-being, however. With the proper amount of physical activity, your child can boost their performance in the classroom as well. Sadly, many physical education programs in schools across the country are being cut or reduced to meet budgetary constraints. Physical activity’s link to academic performance is still a topic of emerging research, but several factors of physical activity have been widely linked to better overall results in the classroom. So, how do these activities contribute to better academics and why should your child get involved?
Improved Concentration
Any type of physical activity requires sustained concentration and focus, a skill set that can be trained and improved like physical characteristics including strength, speed, and agility. In our case, at NinjaZone we place an emphasis on discipline and focus in each class for our ninjas. Regardless of the type of activity, however, the skill of concentration that children acquire and hone can be put to use in a classroom setting. Setting the task at hand with an emphasis on searching for the best solution and the focus to see it through is a vital element in any classroom environment.
Additionally, physical activity provides an outlet for children to work out their excess energy and refocus on the world around them afterward. If you’ve ever tried to get a child with too much energy to focus, you know how challenging can be. With a proper way to manage those bursts of energy, any child will be better equipped to concentrate better on their academics.
Higher Levels of Chemicals in the Brain That Affect Mood
Exercise has been proven beyond a doubt to have a positive impact on mood and the brain, releasing chemicals called endorphins that have a powerful impact on cognitive function and overall mood. Endorphins are known to create feelings of euphoria, reduce pain, promote feelings of well-being, relieve stress, and make falling asleep easier. With all of the benefits of endorphins, it’s no wonder that regular physical activity can have a dramatic positive impact on overall mood. Children with a greater sense of well-being don’t have to struggle as much with negative emotions, allowing them to focus with a clearer view of the topics in front of them. Children being in a better mood means that they are easier to teach, and more likely to participate in activities that will enhance their understanding of the material.
Higher Self-Esteem
General mood boosts improved mood and concentration, new skills, and the social bonds formed during communal physical activities all combine to help boost the self-esteem of young children. Boosting confidence and self-esteem is an important part of NinjaZone’s program, as allowing children to advance at their own pace and take control of their own development imparts a great sense of confidence and self-esteem. In the classroom, this higher self-esteem can translate to less intimidation by new material and an outlook more likely to be ready and willing to take on and overcome new challenges. This can-do attitude can also readily translate to testing, as a more self-assured outlook can help offset the effects of test anxiety in young children. If they believe in themselves, they’re more likely to succeed.
As you can see, physical activity is an irreplaceable part of a well-rounded childhood full of education and development. By providing students with new skills and boosting their confidence and self-esteem through a curriculum that prioritizes individual progress, Wright's is proud to play a part in a process that can do a world of good for children. Finding the right physical activity for your child can be a challenge, but when they have the right fit, they’ll be better equipped for a better academic future!