There are many benefits to PE, mainly that children learn to be physically active which will prevent obesity and other illnesses later on in life, but it is also said to help the children within their classroom work. In this article we look at how this can happen.
Brain and social benefits – Children who take part in PE on a regular basis learn better in the classroom. They are more focused and engaged in the classroom, they stay on task for longer period of time and seem to improve in tests. Exercise has been proven to increase the body’s production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor which is a protein that encourages neurons to grow and remain vigorous and strengthens the synapses that connect them. PE includes character building exercises, this is also linked to no bullying, improved self-esteem and better peer interactions. Within PE children get to work in all different groups, this helps children to build relationships with children they may not get to work with in a classroom environment, this teaches them that all peers will interact with them differently and they need to learn the best way to interact with each child.
The fitness-health connection – By the child taking part in physical activity they will also learn about nutrition and what is good or bad for them. They should keep their bodies and mind fit and healthy, leading to a better healthier life style when they get older. They will build strength, endurance, coordination and stability within PE.
Mood – It has been proven that children’s mood is much better after physical education, they are moving which always cheers people up but they are achieving new things which gives the children added confident on succeeding within school.
Attention and memory – After PE children are said to be more focused on the tasks that are set for them, leading them to want to get to the end goal, with them being so focused on the classroom activity the children’s memory seems stronger and it decreases the inappropriate behaviour due to them letting out some of their energy, they seem to have better conversion from short to long term memory.
Behaviour – the behaviour in the classroom is better, this is due to many aspects of PE. The children get to burn off energy, they get to work with others, they have to stick to rules of the game/tasks that have been set and they have to concentrate on the task to be able to achieve it.
There has been a lot of research on how Physical Education can benefit the children in a classroom environment and to me it all makes sense. Children need PE within the school week, not only for the health benefits but also for the extra concentration and learning that is done afterwards in the classroom.
