Children who are physically fit absorb and retain new information more effectively than children who are out of shape. Parents and exercise scientists, who, not infrequently, are the same people, have known for a long time that physical activity helps young people to settle and pay attention in school or at home, with salutary effects on academic performance.
Better fitness in children has proved to be linked to significantly higher achievement scores, while, interestingly, body size has almost no role. Children who are overweight but relatively fit have been proven to have higher test scores than those lighter, less-fit children.
If children are to develop and maintain the kind of aerobic fitness that amplifies their ability to learn they should engage in at least on hour a day of vigorous physical activity. Physical activity is also a way that children discover the world and themselves. It helps build strong muscles and healthy bones, as well as improves self-confidence.
10 Tips to Improve Activity for Children
- Walk or bike to and from school with the kids as often as possible
- Build a den or treehouse with them during the school holidays. Or encourage them to climb a tree.
- Go roller skating, rollerblading or skateboarding, indoors or outside. During the winter, go ice skating.
- Do an activity challenge together, such as working towards a fun run or a walk for charity.
- Take the dog for a walk. If you don’t have one, ask to volunteer to walk a neighbor or friends dog.
- Support your kids in sports, clubs or any other activities that may interest hem. Joining a weekend club sport ensures commitment to a team and regular exercise.
- Find time every weekend to do something active with your children. Play Frisbee or football in the park. Play on the trampoline or try indoor rock climbing.
- Fly a kite.
- Try a beach holiday. When children hit the sand they find a multitude of ways to exercise.
- The National Parks website has lists of events such as guided walks and children’s fun days for fresh ideas for active days out.