There are a million decisions parents have to make for their children throughout life and deciding whether or not to enroll them in recreational sports is one of them. Understanding the benefits of rec sports for students can make the decision to get involved that much easier.
Brian Lumar, Principal explains that there are many benefits for students who participate in recreational sports. These include enhanced brain function, learning life skills that also help in the classroom, as well as the benefits that physical activity can provide to a student’s performance.
How Recreational Sports Help Students Learn Better
Sports can help students in the classroom atmosphere in many ways. First, it improves patience, perseverance, problem-solving, and memory, among other skills that translate well into a classroom setting. Physical activity also boosts brain function and stimulation. Below, the additional, long-term benefits of how rec sports aid in learning are discussed.
Sports Teach Life Skills
Sports teach kids many life skills to be used in and beyond the classroom, including self-regulation, accountability, teamwork, organization, discipline, and responsibility. These skills are also necessary when learning new lessons, studying, completing homework, working on projects with classmates, and more.
Sports Improve Brain Function
Being physically active helps improve the brain in one major way – by improving neural plasticity, which refers to how the brain forms new neurons and new connections, as well as reorganizes neural networks. In other words, this means the brain can comprehend new material at a more efficient, faster pace.
Physical Activity Benefits That Translate to The Classroom
• Better Sleep
When children play sports, they expend a lot of energy. This helps them get a longer, deeper sleep at night so they attend school rested and refreshed. A better night’s sleep helps students focus better, learn more effectively, and promotes positivity through the entire school day.
• Reduced Stress
Physical activity is a wonderful way to reduce stress, even in short sessions. Students must balance a lot during their formative years and being active will reduce stress within the body and mind. This happens because increased activity releases endorphins which boost mood.
• Improves Self-Esteem and Self-Confidence
Sports, either with a team or solo, can greatly improve a child’s self-esteem and self-confidence. When children view themselves in a more positive light, they’re more likely to work through challenges in a proactive way, whether its school or life situations. This translates to improved grades and a better outlook on education in general.
• Improved Energy Levels
It takes energy to learn. Students who have that adrenaline rush after physical activity will enjoy increased energy for many hours, even days. Not only does this help with retaining information, but student athletes will have energy for completing homework, studying for tests, and performing better in school than they did before.
• Emotional Management
Sports teach patience, perseverance, and emotional management skills that will help children and teens in the classroom and beyond. Many students are prone to dismissing challenges when things become difficult in school, but these emotional management techniques will improve their resilience to handle everything life (and school) throws their way.
