Kids need plenty of physical activity for increased ability to learn and absorb information.
As parents and grandparents, we’ve known for decades that an active lifestyle can help children be more physically fit. It is one way to fight the obesity epidemic by giving children a good foundation in physical activity.
But did you know that activity makes them smarter too?
Moving Can Make Kids Smarter
John J. Ratey, a Harvard Medical School psychiatrist, has written a book that tells us that physical activity is essential for optimal mental health too. In his book, Spark, Ratey explains that physical education is one way to help children improve their learning, memory, concentration and emotional resiliency.
Ratey has identified some of the “best practices” to help children learn. For example, he suggests waking up a child’s heart before sitting him down to study.
“Studies show that when kids get their heart rate up before they sit down to learn it has a huge effect on how much they absorb,” Ratey explains. It’s all about being smart when it comes to physical activity.
In his book, he points out a study that showed a significant increase in test scores among children when they were introduced to a new program of physical activity over six months. By including more physical activity in their days, children significantly reduced absenteeism and increased test scores. According to Ratey, there is overwhelming evidence showing that higher fitness levels result in higher test scores for children.
Ratey has also partnered with Rebok’s BOKS program (Build Our Kids’ Success) to implement and transform physical education programs to incorporate exercise throughout the entire school day in some schools. The goal is to spur greater mental abilities through increased physical activity.
In today’s world of electronic games and gadgets, it’s important to keep your eye on the amount of physical activity children receive at all ages. Rather than sitting in front of the television, Wii, iPad, DS, or other technology devices, it’s time to get moving again.
Get Involved
Ratey’s website, Sparking Life, provides plenty of information and tools to help parents and grandparents get their kids more engaged and active.
Make sure your children are exposed to plenty of activities and opportunities for physical movement during the summer months. Check out Ratey’s website for tips and ideas. Also, see what your local schools and communities have to offer in terms of organized activities for kids that spur creativity, imagination, and action.
Contact us
We’d love to hear what your kids are doing this summer to keep them active so we can share with our readers. Just leave us a comment. And if you know of local organizations or events where physical education is a high priority, tell us about it.
And don’t miss our weekly events calendar to find plenty of local activities for kids of every age! We also include a summary of weekend activities every Thursday for the upcoming weekend so check it out too.
