Why swimming lessons may help learning
Most children love summer for the joys of playing in and around a swimming pool, the sea, river or lake. Parents enjoy the relaxation of being able to let children amuse themselves in the water – although remaining vigilant, of course. And the healthy, outdoor exercise is obviously good for growing bodies. The brain also benefits from the extra oxygen taken in during the exercise, but swimming may also develop skills that are valuable for school learning.
The bilateral cross-patterned movements in swimming strokes help with the development of neurons (nerve fibres) that connect the right and left sides of the brain. This makes fast, efficient communication possible between the two. The result is better cognitive functioning which will be seen in better learning ability.
A study was conducted in 2012. It involved over 7000 preschool children in Australia, New Zealand and the USA over three years. The results showed that children taught to swim at an early age reached developmental milestones consistently quicker than average. They showed better coordination and increased fine motor skills like cutting, colouring in, drawing shapes and many mathematically related tasks.
The research found significant differences in academically related skills between those children who were taught to swim and non-swimmers, regardless of socio-economic background. There were also no gender differences.
Professor Robyn Jorgensen of Griffith University in Australia who led the research, said “Many of these skills are highly valuable in other learning environments and will be of considerable benefit for young children as they transition into pre-schools and school.”
For further information about the study, you can contact the team at firstname.lastname@example.org.
Remember, though, that these children were taught to swim using strokes that allow us to swim ‘properly.’ They weren’t merely ‘doggy paddling,’ jumping around, splashing in the water or bobbing with water wings or other flotation device. To get the most out of swimming as a brain boosting activity, children should learn the basic strokes and spend time using these to move through the water.
And, of course, it keeps them safe around water!