Some extracurricular activities are more obviously beneficial for your child's learning than others; you may not be aware of the exact benefits of learning a second language, for example, but it is unlikely to be surprising that it's good for your child's brain. Playing sport, on the other hand, looks like it has nothing to do with learning, and some people are even inclined to think of athletes as 'dumb'! Today, The Tutoring Center in Oro Valley would like to share some of the fantastic mental rewards your child can gain from taking up a sport.
Exercise has been shown to promote production of a substance called brain-derived neurotrophic factor which stimulates growth of new brain cells. Not only this, but it also encourages the brain to develop new neural networks between various regions, increasing efficiency of communication between lobes and thereby increasing cognitive function.
A 2013 study published in the journal PLOS One found that participants in the study that exercised regularly consistently outperformed those that were classed as having 'low physical fitness' in tasks requiring sustained attention and fast and appropriate response to unexpected stimuli.
A substantial number of studies have indicated links between regular exercise and a larger hippocampus, the area of the brain largely responsible for memory function. Intense exercise for 20 minutes 3 times a week (along with the recommended hour of physical activity daily, of course!) is believed to be extra-beneficial in terms of hippocampal growth. If your child plays a sport requiring bouts of intense effort such as football, hockey or basketball, then they're likely to reap these memory benefits.
Recent studies have shown that children that get regular exercise consistently outperform peers that don't on standardized tests. There is also data to indicate that vigorous aerobic exercise a short while before a test can provide a marked boost to scores, possibly due to increased blood flow and oxygen to the brain. Regardless of the reason, it's safe to say that a healthy body does seem to lead to a healthy mind.
Playing sport doesn't just alter the physical makeup of the brain, it also has an impact on personality. The dedication required for practice fosters a good work ethic that may well transfer over to their academic life, and coming to terms with losing and overcoming challenges help children deal with academic difficulties with a positive outlook rather than despairing. Team sports are also fantastic for making your child a 'team player'; better able to work in groups and participate in discussions at school.
If your child requires support in any academic area, don't hesitate to contact The Tutoring Center. Our expert staff offer help with reading, math, grammar and more, making use of our tried and tested Geniuses in Training academic programs. Call (520)-219-4112 to organize tutoring in Oro Valley today.