• It’s probably no secret to any adult that regular physical activity is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. When it comes to children, though, the importance of physical activity is even more vital, and not just for physical health.

    Physical activity is a vital part of every student’s education. Physical education teaches skills that encourage students to be active and fit for life, positively impacting students’ physical, mental, and emotional health. In addition, studies have demonstrated the importance of daily movement to a child’s academic education as well. 

    Study after study demonstrates that increasing a child’s physical activity and physical fitness may improve academic performance. Therefore, time in the school day dedicated to recess, physical education class, and physical activity in the classroom may also facilitate academic performance, according to a report from the National Academies, Educating the Student Body: Taking Physical Activity and Physical Education to School.

    “Given that the brain is responsible for both mental processes and physical actions of the human body, brain health is important across the life span,” the report said, continuing, “In children, brain health can be measured in terms of successful development of attention, on-task behavior, memory, and academic performance in an educational setting.”

    Regular physical activity also helps children: 

    • Build endurance and develop strong muscles and bones 
    • Maintain good sleeping patterns 
    • Improve fine motor skills including balance, dexterity, and flexibility 
    • Develop better social skills 
    • Maintain healthy habits into adulthood 
    • Form a positive outlook on health, including weight and diet 
    • Have more confidence in their abilities 

    As educators, we know that exercise can play a major role in learning. Movement helps to turn the brain on, keep it humming smoothly along, and grow its neurological connections and capabilities. In addition, children who are physically active each day tend to act out less and have an easier time focusing on important tasks, including schoolwork. 

    At Easton Arts Academy, we value the benefits of physical activity for each one of our students. Our school day includes not just physical education but also theater and dance classes, to offer our students plenty of opportunities for movement every day. Our PE program promotes the importance of safety, wellness, physical health and fitness to each student. It also helps students understand how healthy behaviors contribute to a healthy lifestyle. Through our PE classes, students learn the knowledge and skills they need to build and maintain positive physical and mental health – habits that will benefit them throughout their lives.

    During physical education class, we emphasize team-building physical activities, such as sports and group exercise, as well as individual exercise. This combination gives students a diverse experience with physical activity. In addition, we establish cross-curricular connections to general education and the arts curriculum, in alignment with the mission and vision of Easton Arts Academy. Peer-to-peer interaction also is an important part of our physical education program, as it gives the students an opportunity to build healthy, social relationships.

    Physical education gives our students the foundation to build and maintain a healthy lifestyle as they mature and grow. Our curriculum shows students what it means to live a healthy lifestyle and how to maintain that throughout their lives.

     

    To learn more about our school and our curriculum, call 484.546.4230.