How wonderful would it be if learning was not only enjoyable but also sparked a child’s desire to learn more? Physical education is key to making this happen. It goes beyond just keeping children active – it plays a vital role in their overall growth and development. But why is physical education so important? How does it connect to cognitive development? In this article, we’ll explore the world of physical development and uncover the answers together.

• Physical development is the brain and body development during childhood and early years physical development.
• Physical activities foster cognitive function by helping brain development and improving focus, attention, communication, empathy, and fine and gross motor skills. 
• Physical development plays an important role in modern education. By integrating physical education into the curriculum, this holistic approach helps students to enjoy the activities.
• Physical education fosters child development through sports and play. The research shows that 70% of students feel more confident after attending the activities. 

What is Physical Development in Children?

Physical development refers to the growth and development of both the brain and body in childhood. This process fosters muscle control and physical growth while also improving brain function and essential skills. Physical development encompasses a wide range of activities, including sports, team sports, and play, such as swimming, kayaking, basketball, and roleplay. 

The Connection Between Physical and Cognitive Growth

Many parents are not aware that cognitive function development requires not only intellectual but also physical development in children. Cognitive function plays a significant role in both personal and academic growth. But what exactly is cognitive function, and how does physical development and activity foster cognitive function? What is the importance of physical education? We invite you to explore these topics with us. 

What is cognitive function?

Cognitive function is a mental process that allows humans to acquire knowledge and understanding, including solving problems. It involves perception, attention, learning, remembering, and reasoning, which reflect overall intelligence and cognitive growth. 

With its 4 main stages, children’s brains continue to be involved and develop through 

 different things, from object permanence (birth to age 2), symbolic play and symbols (age 2 to 7), the concept of conversation and logic (age 7-11) to abstract concepts (age 11 and beyond).

How does physical activity impact cognitive growth?

Studies show that physical activity plays significant roles as follows:

• Brain Development: The human brain reaches 90% of adult size by the age of 6 or 7. This brain development is particularly notable in the frontal lobes, which are associated with planning, reasoning, memory, and impulse control. As children are involved in physical activities, such as treasure hunts and roleplay, children will continue to better equip their attention, and behaviour, as well as develop their reasoning, problem-solving, and decision-making.
• Focus and Attention: Some physical activities, such as team sports or swimming, foster kids to develop their focus and attention, leading to better brain health. And also enhance their ability to learn and acquire knowledge with more attention span.
• Communication and empathy: Participate in physical activities, such as team sports, roleplay, treasure hunts, fosters kids communication skill, leading to more complex social skills such as empathy.
• Fine and Motor Skills: The motor skills are developed by using small muscles. And gross motor skills are developed by using larger muscles. That is when physical activities, such as grabbing, rolling, and movement, are playing the important part for fostering fine and gross motor skills leading to brain development. Child fine and motor skills development can significantly improve through sports.

Importance of Physical Education

The research shows that children aged 5-17 need one hour of physical activity per day, while children aged 3-4 need at least 3 hours of physical activity per day. Beyond physical health, these activities offer an excellent alternative learning method for children. This is why physical education plays such a vital role in modern education, contributing not only to physical development in children but also to overall academic and personal growth, which is one of the major importance of physical education.

Role of physical activities in learning

When physical activities are enjoyable, they can also have a profound impact on learning. The studies report that 70% of students feel happy after completing physical activities. And 76% of students feel confident to try sports. Moreover, 49% of students feel that engaging in physical activities benefits their schoolwork.

In modern educational methods, we instigate physical activities into the curriculum. This method allows students to learn valuable lessons, discover their interests, and develop their talents—all while having fun. Moreover, this holistic development in kids cultivates well-rounded development that extends beyond traditional classroom learning. 

Physical education at St. Andrew Green Valley

At St. Andrew Green Valley, we are well aware of how critical physical education is for children. For that reason, we offer over 80 activities designed to engage children in learning through play. This approach fosters child development through sports and activity for both their physical and mental growth. It also ensures they enjoy every moment in our school. 

We offer a wide range of activities from chess, in-line skating, kung fu, drama club, yoga, STEAM, dance, skateboarding, wild wheels, and mountain biking to roleplay. With this diversity activity, we ensure children will not only gain essential knowledge and development but also be able to explore their interests and talents.

Physical education is a cornerstone of a child’s development through sports, influencing not only their physical health but also their cognitive abilities and social skills. By encouraging regular physical activity, we are helping children develop essential life skills that go beyond the classroom. At St. Andrew Green Valley International School, we understand the importance of integrating physical education into their curriculum. Therefore, we put our heart into ensuring that children grow into well-rounded individuals prepared for the challenges, whether through sports, play, or creative activities. In our school, physical development is integral to shaping individuals’ better futures.