It used to be that math, English, and science were the subjects every parent wanted their children to excel in. But it appears that physical fitness might be added to that list too.
In a study, researchers found that kids who were physically fit, managed to score higher marks on standardized testing in math and English. Pretty impressive.
You can check out the article below for the rest of the details, but I just have one question about this study.
Are the kids better at math and English because they're physically fit or could it be that kids who excel in school are just more likely to excel in everything, be it physical education, art, or any other subject? I'm not sure where the causality fits here.
If any of you know the answer to this or have further information on this study, please share! Just drop a comment.
Physically Fit Kids Do Better In School
From ScienceDaily.com
ScienceDaily (Jan. 30, 2009) — A new study in the Journal of School Health found that physically fit kids scored better on standardized math and English tests than their less fit peers.
Researchers examined the relationship between physical fitness and academic achievement in a racially and economically diverse urban public school district of children enrolled in grades 4 – 8 during the 2004 – 2005 academic year.
Results of their study show that there is a significant relationship between students’ academic achievement and physical fitness. The odds of passing both standardized math and English tests increased as the number of fitness tests passed increased, even when controlling for gender, race/ethnicity, and socio-economic status.
School time and resources are often diverted from Physical Education and opportunities for physical activity such as recess. However, this study shows that students who do well on fitness tests also do well on math and English standardized tests.
I have raised 9 children - the youngest 7 are very close in age - 2 sets of twins - 5 and a half years age difference. They were all raised together - participated in all types of sport from a very early age and each represented the province at some stage. At one stage we were
taking children to sports training 6 days a week.
Their academic abilities developed at different rates when they were young but during their late teenage years the gap became narrower. They all attended university and completed degrees - the youngest is currently studying for a PHD.
My summary is that the sport involvement developed personal discipline and a desire to win which flowed into their academic life. They all had part time jobs during their teens which developed self reliance and gave them the means to socialize - hence they became well balanced individuals. They have all built a fitness regime into their daily lives.
As a parent you have to lead by example - I have maintained a daily fitness regime for 50 years. It has not been easy but you only get out
what you put in.