{"id":8024,"date":"2017-05-11T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2017-05-11T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/togethercounts.com\/do-young-children-need-physical-education\/"},"modified":"2017-05-11T00:00:00","modified_gmt":"2017-05-11T00:00:00","slug":"do-young-children-need-physical-education","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/togethercounts.com\/es\/do-young-children-need-physical-education\/","title":{"rendered":"Do Young Children Need Physical Education?"},"content":{"rendered":"

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As a parent, sometimes the things you hear experts say about children\u2019s health, and the things you observe in your own kid(s), can seem conflicting. Here\u2019s the thing about physical education: yes, these programs encourage physical activity, but it\u2019s the second part of the phrase \u2014 the \u201ceducation\u201d portion \u2014 that\u2019s the key factor, and the reason all young kids should have access to formal physical education classes.<\/p>\n

Your kids may not need any help being active (your exhausted pet can likely attest to this); but they won\u2019t learn about nutrition, fitness and the importance of a healthy lifestyle on their own. As a partner of the Together Counts\u2122 program for healthy, active living, here\u2019s why it\u2019s so important to offer physical education classes to children, especially when they\u2019re young.<\/p>\n

Promoting Lifelong Fitness<\/strong><\/p>\n

According to the\u00a0Centers for Disease Control and Prevention\u00a0(CDC),\u00a0the childhood obesity rate has more than doubled for both preschool children (ages 2-5) and adolescents (ages 12-19). For children between the ages of six and eleven, the rate has tripled.<\/p>\n

While encouraging physical activity is the first step to combatting childhood obesity, educating our children about fitness is the step that will carry them into healthy adulthood.\u00a0Curriculum-based physical education<\/a>\u00a0programs teach kids how to exercise, using safe and proper techniques and how to keep their muscles and hearts strong.<\/p>\n

When we teach our kids about health and wellness at a young age, and build a\u00a0positive association around being active<\/a>, they are much more likely to develop healthy habits that continue throughout their lives.<\/p>\n

Boosting the Brain<\/strong><\/p>\n

There\u2019s more to physical education than just keeping your body fit \u2014 it also keeps your brain fit. Scientists have discovered a link between\u00a0physical fitness and brain functionality<\/a>\u00a0in children.<\/p>\n

The cognitive benefits of PE extend into classroom learning \u2014 multiple\u00a0studies<\/a>\u00a0have found an association between physical activity and increased concentration in school. Several studies have researched the link between physical education and\u00a0cooperative learning<\/a>\u00a0\u2014 a teaching strategy in which groups of students work together to improve their understanding of a particular subject. Children learn the importance of team-building and collaboration through physical group activities.<\/p>\n

Eating Right<\/strong><\/p>\n

A big part of physical education is teaching kids how to make healthy choices for their bodies \u2014 and that includes food choices. A comprehensive physical education curriculum includes lessons about nutrition and diet, teaching children (at levels they can understand) why certain foods are good for their bodies.<\/p>\n

Physical education classes teach kids about the importance of various food groups, and how they interact with the body \u2014 in every area from your bones and heart, to your brain and even your mood. Learning how to make smart food choices will help your children as they get older and need to make more choices on their own.<\/p>\n

Building Social Skills<\/strong><\/p>\n

Formal physical education can also help facilitate healthy social interactions. Early on in life, children develop their sense of identity and\u00a0social cues<\/a>\u00a0by engaging in various group dynamics.<\/p>\n

Physical activity \u2014 like running around on the playground \u2014 builds muscles and improves cardiovascular health, while physical\u00a0education<\/em>\u00a0\u2014 structured classes in which kids have to complete physical activities \u2014 also exercises a child\u2019s self control and develops cooperative skills and consideration for others. Playing team games and activities in a supervised environment allows opportunities for\u00a0children to learn social skills<\/a>, like how to lose \u2014 and win \u2014 graciously.<\/p>\n

Participating in group activities and team sports encourages leadership, community engagement, and even altruism. For very young kids, basic and essential lessons like sharing and speaking kindly to others are encompassed in a physical education setting.<\/p>\n

Physical education plays a substantial role in shaping children\u2019s health and development, teaching them valuable life skills in fitness, focus, nutrition, and social interactions. A good understanding of these topics can make the difference between your child growing into a healthy adult, or falling into lifelong unhealthy habits.<\/p>\n

SPARK<\/a>\u00a0is a research-based program that provides award-winning, evidence-based programs for Physical Education (K-12), Classroom Physical Activity & Recess, After School, Early Childhood, Nutrition and Health. Since 1989, SPARK has provided curriculum, training, and consultation to over 100,000 teachers and youth leaders worldwide.<\/em><\/p>\n

For more healthy ideas, take a look at these other posts from Together Counts!<\/p>\n