What seems like a silly question, is actually a warning sign for where our children are headed. Can you imagine a day without recess? In many schools across the country recess has been shortened and even eliminated to make more time for teachers to prepare their students for the many standard exams they are required to take each year. In fact, physical education (P.E.) classes have been reduced as well. Many schools offer P.E. only once a week!
On the surface, you might agree that to improve test scores, children need to study more. However, how can children learn if they are fidgeting in their seats and are unable to focus due to lack of exercise? Giving children time to run around and play with their peers in an unstructured environment is NOT a waste of time. In fact, scheduling such activities into the school day can actually IMPROVE academic performance in our schools!
In a study at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 8- and 9-year-old students were recruited for an after-school exercise program. Half the students were put on a waiting list and did not attend the program. The other half attended the after school program where they played games and received instruction on various sports’ techniques.
At the end of the study, the students who attended the program were not only leaner and healthier, but their scores on cognitive exams showed the most improvement! The students who did not exercise improved, but not by a lot. The study showed that as children develop, their cognitive skills develop as well. However, children who participate in regular physical activity are more likely to show greater cognitive development as they grow older.
How does exercise improve brain health and cognition?
The answer is surprisingly simple! Exercise increases blood flow to the brain which helps enhance various functions. As a result, exercise promotes the growth of new brain cells in the hippocampus which controls memory and learning. In addition, the brain produces more BDNF (Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor) that helps protect and repair memory cells. Exercise also boosts the production of various chemicals called neurotransmitters that help with mood. Overall, exercise clears a foggy brain, and prepares it to learn and grow!
How can we encourage our children to get more physical activity?
1. Sign them up for a local sports team.
2. Swap screen time for backyard or playground time.
3. Register for a local 5k together.
4. Take tennis (or any sport) lessons as a family.
While preparing our children for academic success is important, if our children are not given enough time to exercise and play, we will not see their true potential as students, and as contributing members of our communities!
Resources:
“How Exercise Can Boost Young Brains”, The New York Times
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/10/08/how-exercise-can-boost-the-childs-brain/?_r=0
“Seven Surprising Benefits of Exercise”, Time
http://time.com/4474874/exercise-fitness-workouts/