Why are sports and games important in schools?

Introduction

Students need to have a healthy lifestyle. This is why many schools in India are adding more sports and games into their curriculum! It has been proven that playing sports can help keep kids from being overweight or obese, which can lead to other health problems. They also provide an opportunity to build teamwork skills, increase self-confidence, and teach social skills.  Undoubtedly, there is a lot of importance of regular physical activity in a person’s life that helps them stay healthy and improve their emotional fitness. That is why having sports and games in the school curriculum is considered a good thought. Including such activities right from childhood is a good idea as it helps them make it a part of their routine. Wondering what other benefits do sports and games bring along? This blog has got you covered.

Since when did schools include sports and games?

Since the 1980s, many schools have been adding sports and games into their curriculum. From the late 1700s through the mid-1800s, physical training started in India.The Swedish system promoted health by exercises like climbing ropes etc. The English introduced sports and games to America and India as part of a system that emphasized moral development through physical activity. It’s believed this is how physical education’s foundation was laid in India.

Benefits of sports and games in schools

Academics and sports are very much interrelated. Adding sports and games to a child’s curriculum will shape their personality. Here are some of the reasons to show why sports and games are important in schools.

Improves self-esteem

If a child feels good about themselves, they can learn better. Sports will give children confidence and a sense of worth. When a child does better at sports than studies, it must be appreciated. This way, the child will be able to pursue something they’re good at which in turn will benefit their living way.

Participation builds social skills

Sports and games give children the opportunity to cooperate, learn about other people, and develop relationships with others such as teammates or opponents. Socialization is also an important part of physical education because it teaches children to be tolerant of many different types of people from all socio-economic backgrounds

Enhances physical fitness

Physical education enhances the aerobic endurance and muscular strength of students. The importance of fitness can be figured by the health benefits it provides. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that children participate in at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity each day. Physical education programs have been shown to provide this recommended amount more often than those without a program, which means improved health benefits.

Helps with concentration

Improve athletic ability by teaching kids how to compete without feeling frustrated or discouraged. Studies have shown that students who participate in physical education classes are less likely to drop out of school, and more likely to have a strong memory power.

Sports and games develop teamwork skills

Sport teaches kids the value of teamwork and provides them with the opportunity to work with a variety of people in a variety of scenarios. Playing sports allows children to make friendships and allows them to learn leadership. Sports and games can teach students about time management and generate a competitive attitude while participating as a team.

Sports and games affect mental health

They are a great way to release stress. A child who is under pressure at home can go to school, play for his team and forget about the burdens of life. The adrenaline rush while playing sports and games will keep them distracted and energetic. This will become his/her happy place where he feels no worries or sadness anymore. It’s like therapy that raises self-confidence levels as well as physical health too!

Sports and games help in weight loss

Sports and games are a great way to burn calories. Playing sports will help in weight loss because the more active they become, the less food they’ll need to maintain their energy levels as well as cardiovascular health. Some children won’t gain weight at all because of regular training at school. It’s a great opportunity for children who don’t wish to work out at home or the gym. They’ll naturally shed their weight at school around people of their age.

Sports and games opens up career opportunities in the future

A child who is super interested and excels in physical activities will have a big future. Yes! Children who are into sports can turn it into a career. Athletes play an important role in a country and your child can be the next star athlete if their heart wishes to follow that path.

Sports and games build character

Some children are more shy, introverted, and have a hard time making friends. Sports make them better at interacting with their peers because they’ve been practicing all day long through games or sports practice. They’ll grow up to be competitive but always will fair play. The amount of teamwork will develop their personality to accept and not judge peers.

Sports and games develop patience and mental toughness

One of the main benefits of physical exercise is mental endurance and patience. They are a great way to release pent-up energy, as well as help build composure. Sports teach kids to be resilient because they’ll have failures but always try again until they get it right. It’s a life skill that will carry them through the rest of their lives in any career path.

Sports and games promote creativity

Playing these also promote creativity. It’s a great way to express themselves through movement, learn valuable lessons about the world around them, and be exposed to new things that they wouldn’t have otherwise discovered.

Final thoughts

With immense benefits, these activities must be included in every child’s curriculum. Apart from the mentioned advantages, there are plenty of other reasons to back its importance. Parents can also encourage children by enrolling them in additional training if their child is interested in sports. Sports promote creativity, offer students a chance to learn new skills, provide opportunities for team-building experiences, and teach valuable lessons about the world. If your child shows interest in sports more than in academics, help them to follow their pursuit.

Also Read:

The Potential of Play: How Games For Kids Help Them Thrive

Top 10 Interesting and Fun Online Kids Games to Play Over Zoom

Outdoor Games and It’s Benefits for Kids

5 Fun Reading Games and Activities for Kids that teachers need to know

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