Some children may groan about having to go to physical education class, and their parents may wonder if there is really a benefit to these activities. Indeed, there is. It is incredibly important for children to get exercise during the day for many reasons. Here, we address a few of these reasons and the benefits found from this exercise routine.

1. Physical activity: On simply a physical level, sports and exercise routines during the school day are incredibly important. Children need to get out of their school chairs and burn calories. Physical activity allows them to stay in shape, to learn about various exercise options that they might consider participating in after school as well, and to renew their focus for the classroom.

2. Psychological well-being: Along with the physical benefits of sport, there are many other benefits for the mind. The school day is quite long and students need to have a break sometimes. This break allows them to refocus their attention, burn off some energy and enjoy some physical exertion.

3. Team work: Assuming that the school teaches students about various sports, kids are learning teamwork and cooperation. Almost every sport teaches these skills, forcing students to pass the ball, to look out for each other and to balance their needs with the group’s need.
4. Following directions: One final benefit of team sports and sports in schools is that students learn how to follow directions. Certainly, they learn this skill in the classroom as well. Learning it on the field is one more way in which students learn to stay focused and to follow directions and these skills are very important.