Physical Education in Elementary Schools
The Benefits of Physical Education in Elementary Schools
Meagan Stanley
101
October 14, 2012
The benefits of Physical Education in Elementary Schools
There are numerous benefits of physical education in elementary schools which have been listed by the advocates of physical education, scholars and researchers. Over the years, different research studies have been undertaken which have reviewed the benefits and relevance of physical education and sport (PE) in elementary schools. Based on the reviews and insights offered by different scholars, overwhelming benefits have been identified from PE. The benefits of PE are diversified and range from integrated developments of body and mind, cognitive development, enhancement of self confidence and self-esteem, academic achievement and social development among others. Significant differences have been identified among children or even adults who have undergone physical educations and those who have not. The benefits of PE in elementary schools can be viewed from the child development in the following domains, physical, affective, lifestyle, social and cognitive. There are key areas of a child’s life which are greatly impacted by PE. In particular, Physical Education helps with the development of Children's social, motor and cognitive skills along with promoting a lifelong healthy way of living.
To begin with, physical education supports cognitive development in children. As argued by Bailey (2006), the claim that “healthy body leads to a healthy mind” is beyond doubt. In his arguments, Bailey (2006) acknowledges that physical activity contributes to the intellectual development of children hence the need for its prioritization. Through physical activity, the flow of blood to the brain is increased which helps in cognitive development resulting in better academic performance. Physical education impacts positively on mood, self-esteem and mental alertness all of which are key elements in cognitive development. A
Meagan Stanley
101
October 14, 2012
The benefits of Physical Education in Elementary Schools
There are numerous benefits of physical education in elementary schools which have been listed by the advocates of physical education, scholars and researchers. Over the years, different research studies have been undertaken which have reviewed the benefits and relevance of physical education and sport (PE) in elementary schools. Based on the reviews and insights offered by different scholars, overwhelming benefits have been identified from PE. The benefits of PE are diversified and range from integrated developments of body and mind, cognitive development, enhancement of self confidence and self-esteem, academic achievement and social development among others. Significant differences have been identified among children or even adults who have undergone physical educations and those who have not. The benefits of PE in elementary schools can be viewed from the child development in the following domains, physical, affective, lifestyle, social and cognitive. There are key areas of a child’s life which are greatly impacted by PE. In particular, Physical Education helps with the development of Children's social, motor and cognitive skills along with promoting a lifelong healthy way of living.
To begin with, physical education supports cognitive development in children. As argued by Bailey (2006), the claim that “healthy body leads to a healthy mind” is beyond doubt. In his arguments, Bailey (2006) acknowledges that physical activity contributes to the intellectual development of children hence the need for its prioritization. Through physical activity, the flow of blood to the brain is increased which helps in cognitive development resulting in better academic performance. Physical education impacts positively on mood, self-esteem and mental alertness all of which are key elements in cognitive development. A