Sports: Not only a physical boost for kids, it’s also great for their minds.

Anyone who has children knows that they need to be active every day.Physical activity stimulates growth and leads to improved physical and emotional health. Current research shows that the importance of this physical activity is stronger than ever. It can certainly relieve stress, and some children suffer from stress and anxiety as much as adults. The last year of inhibited activity for everyone has made us much more aware of what our children need to be happy and healthy both mentally and physically.

Getting involved in sports is a rite of passage and helps children develop physical skills, exercise, learn teamwork, have fun, and improve their self-esteem and sense of self-worth. Playing sports helps children learn to control their emotions and channel negative feelings in positive ways. It also helps children develop patience and the understanding that it can take a lot of practice to improve. Playing team sports also gives children a sense of belonging. It helps them make new friends and expands their social circle outside of school.

All of this activity goes beyond learning new physical skills: Sports help children develop better ways of dealing with life’s ups and downs.

Learning to lose, and being good at it, is an important life skill and requires maturity: children learn how to bounce back from disappointments and become resilient in the face of life’s ups and downs. It also helps teach self-discipline: following the rules, accepting decisions and taking direction from the coach. But sport, not just exercise, gives a child more than physical well-being; It contributes to the development of the child both psychologically and socially. A fit child is more likely to be well rested and mentally sharp. Even moderate physical activity has been shown to improve a child’s ability in arithmetic, reading, and memorization.

As part of curriculum development andprograms of the International Montessori School, we have introduced, for the Elementary class, weekly sessions with a sports coach at the Pueblo Nuevo sports facility. Each week they are introduced to different team sports and gymnastics, as well as learning about health and fitness. We recognize that this is a vital part of your learning and education journey and we know that not only will children love it, but it will benefit them and help them develop in many different ways.