Active Kids Are Smarter Kids

In the face of growing pressure to reduce class time allocated to physical education several studies have published results that have given school administrators, teachers and politicians reason for pause. After a new review of previous studies, scientists have identified what many parents have long suspected - If you provide your child with physical activity they are generally more behaved and better able to concentrate on tasks. When that child is moved into a classroom setting that ability to concentrate becomes even more advantageous. The reviewed studies followed children for several months to a few years. The children that were exposed to regular exercise or physical activity not only gained less weight over the next three years but they also out performed their nonactive peers in math, spelling and reading. It should be noted that the studies did not show a significant correlation to children that participated on a sports team but it did show that children who stated that they exercised regularly also performed at higher levels academically. It also showed that the more they exercised the greater their academic performance was. It appears that science is providing proof that the key to a healthy mind is a healthy body.