While most of the subjects in schools and colleges are primarily taught in a classroom, Sports education is the subject that provides the opportunity to the students to head outside, get active, and work towards developing different skills. The benefits of sports education are far-reaching, including both better academic performance and increased student physical health.
Although, sports education is far more than just kicking a ball or running around. Students learn many skills, have lessons about their health and body, learn about health concerns, write term or research paper on concussions, do exams, coursework, etc. Also, many college teachers even assign essays, and some of those essay examples state that besides improving their health and well-being, sports education also improved their academic success.
But sadly, in recent years, many educational facilities started cutting back on their physical education program, emphasizing academics. Because they strive to prepare the students for the workforce after university. But many researchers show that students who don’t have regular sports classes are most likely to miss out on the following benefits:
Mental and Physical Health
Physical activity is much-needed, especially in child development, and PE Teachers ensure that they include age-appropriate activities for every generation of students. PE increases muscle strength and bone density and improves motor skills and shows the students why physical education is important and how good it can make them feel. Which automatically makes them engage in healthy activities even outside of school.
Participating in Sport Education makes exercising a habit for students, resulting in reducing the development of chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease, combats obesity, and helps them maintain their mental health.
Also, it motivates the students to expand their skills and gives them a chance to take responsibility for their health. Most of the time, they become aware of what they are putting into their bodies and realize the importance of a healthy and balanced diet because they realize that sugary snacks and fast food are not the best way to gain energy. And that also makes them more interested in their bodies and makes them care about themselves as well as others.
Some studies even show that less active students are more likely to have sleep disorders than those who are constantly active. Also, regular exercise reduces anxiety and stress and contributes to a better and healthy sleeping pattern, leading to better immune system functioning, mental health, and overall well-being.
Character Development
Besides all the health benefits, Sports education also reinforces character development and boosts self-esteem in students. Playing sports in teams encourages students to respect themselves and their team players, teach them to understand others, and help and support them. Through Sports activities, students learn that there will always be winners and losers. They learn to take criticism and see that as a chance to improve themselves. They also learn discipline, both mental and physical, and accept decisions that they don’t necessarily agree with, which is much-needed for their future. Also, students who play sports are more likely to have healthy interactions and relationships in their lives because, through sports, they learn essential social and communication skills.
Better Academic Performance
The benefits that come from Sports Education are taken from the playing field into the classroom, which leads to better academic performance. Studies show that students who participate in sports education are more focused on classes and regulate their behavior better. And most of the time sports are an escape from reality for them and offers them a chance to relax and release pent-up emotions that constant lessons, courses, or writing assignments can sometimes cause.
Conclusion
Sport education plays a huge role in the development of students. Thanks to it, students will become more aware of the importance of a healthy lifestyle. Basically, Sports education will help them make wise decisions regarding their safety, health, and well-being. And at the same time, teach them skills that are essential for success in life. Which will also result in a better retaining of knowledge because of the overall health.
