1. It is good for pupils’ health
Sufficient exercise and physical activity have positive effects on children’s physical and mental health, as scientific evidence shows. For example, children are less likely to experience depressive symptoms, their bone quality benefits, and their insulin sensitivity improves. Endurance training improves their fitness. Strength training is effective for increasing muscle strength. Another benefit is that children maintain a healthier weight when they are physically active. And pupils with a healthy weight feel better about themselves and are absent less often than pupils who are overweight.
2. It benefits cognitive development
Physical activity and sport contribute to healthy cognitive brain development at a young age. Physical activity also has other effects on pupils’ cognitive abilities. If you want to maintain pupils’ attention, you can, for example, include a short movement break; afterwards, they are better able to focus. If schools get pupils moving regularly, for extended periods and on a structural basis, this can also lead to better numeracy skills. Would you like to get pupils moving more? Take a look at how you can make the school day more dynamic, for example by arranging the physical and social school environment accordingly.
3. Pupils develop social skills
Through physical activity and sport, pupils also learn to deal with their own feelings. This includes coping with disappointments and successes, responding to other people’s feelings and learning to work together. Physical activity also has a positive effect on self-image, which helps prevent anxiety and depression. Social skills can also receive a boost. Pupils have more social interactions through sports and physical activities, and they may feel more like part of the group.
4. Good motor skills are important for a healthy lifestyle
Good motor skills form the foundation for an active lifestyle. Being physically active helps pupils stay fitter, both now and later in life. Motor skills develop most rapidly up to around the age of eight, but this development continues beyond primary school age. Developing motor skills requires sufficient and varied physical activity. Challenge and variety in the activity environment are important for this. Would you like to know when your pupils are getting enough exercise? Take a look at the physical activity guidelines.
5. It has a positive effect on mental well-being
Physical activity and sport are good for mental well-being. They make you feel more satisfied and happier than when you do not exercise or engage in physical activity – and the same applies to pupils. Physical activity and sport can also bring enjoyment and social connection. What causes these positive effects? Consider psychological factors such as relaxation, experiencing success and social interaction. Physiological mechanisms also play a role, such as the endorphins that are produced; they help reduce pain and create feelings of happiness and euphoria.
More physical activity
Sufficient physical activity contributes to pupils’ physical and mental health. Schools are an environment with many opportunities, because children spend a large part of their day there. Physical activity is good, but more physical activity is better. Does this come at the expense of academic performance? Research actually shows that additional physical activity at school can help improve pupils’ concentration, numeracy skills and behaviour. So, ready to get started with physical activity and sport? Then take a look at the tips for primary education or special education.