If you’re a student, you might think that school and physical education (PE) classes are two separate things. However, a recent study published in Sustainability found that innovative PE programs can actually improve academic performance!
The study looked at a group of elementary and middle school students who participated in a program called The Spark. This program included fun and engaging PE activities such as dance, yoga, and martial arts. The researchers found that students who participated in The Spark had better academic performance in subjects like math and reading compared to students who did not participate in the program.
So, how does PE improve academic performance? The researchers believe that the physical activities in The Spark program helped improve the students’ cognitive skills such as attention, memory, and problem-solving abilities. Additionally, the program helped students develop social skills such as teamwork, communication, and leadership.
It’s important to note that not all PE programs are created equal. Traditional PE classes that focus on sports and fitness may not have the same positive effects on academic performance. Innovative programs like The Spark, which focus on a variety of physical activities and emphasize cognitive and social development, may be more effective.
This study shows that physical education programs can do more than just keep you healthy and active. They can also improve your academic performance! So, next time you’re in PE class, don’t just think of it as a break from academic subjects – embrace it as an opportunity to improve your overall cognitive and social skills.
References: Kliziene, I., Cizauskas, G., Augustiniene, A., Sipaviciene, S., & Aleksandraviciene, R. (2020, June 17). The Relationship between School Age Children’s Academic Performance and Innovative Physical Education Programs. MDPI. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12124922
