Physical Education Can Lead to Better Grades

 “There is a connection between physical activity and learning and it is a positive one - children who are more physically fit do better academically. They concentrate better in the classroom [and] they perform better on math and reading examinations.”

– Dr. David Satcher, former U.S. Surgeon General

In an effort to boost test performance, many schools are taking time away from physical education and using it for more time in class.

But studies now show that rigorous physical activity can actually lead to better grades.

In Broward County , Florida , many schools are getting the message.

Fourth grade teacher Katherine Bennett takes her students out for a five-minute walk after a long lesson.

“I found that when my children start yawning and they start not paying attention, then one way I can refocus those children is to take them out for a brief, little fun walk,” she says. “And by the time we’ve got them back into the room again, they’re ready to study some more.”

In fact, according to new research from Michigan State University , kids who are physically active get ten percent higher grades in math, science and English.

“Children who are physically fit do better academically - they perform better on standardized examinations, they concentrate better,” says former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. David Satcher.

Jackie Lund, president of the National Association for Sports and Physical Education, explains: “If kids feel better about themselves, if they feel better, period, they’re going to be more likely to learn.”

“On the other hand,” says Satcher, “children who are obese are four times as likely to be depressed, very likely to be absent from school - so it’s just the opposite of what schools have thought.”

What’s more, many kids say it’s easy to get distracted if you have to sit still, all day long, in school.

“After a while I just get antsy and I want to move around - cause I start to get stiff and it’s like, I want to get up and walk around,” complains 18-year-old Eric DeGreeff. “But in class you can’t really get up and walk around,”

That’s why, experts say, if your child’s school does not provide vigorous physical education, you have to speak up.

“If parents go out and demand quality physical education, where their kids are learning and they’re moving and they’re involved in activities that are going to create the next steps for a life time, then they will be heard,” says Lund .

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