Being
fit and healthy is essential to all humans and nationally there is concern that
children are not as physically active as previous generations. Being involved
in sport or a physical activity is a great way to encourage a healthy
lifestyle. In addition, through sports
we can develop our self-esteem, a sense of achievement and respect for others.
It also teaches us to adhere to rules and develops an understanding of fair
play. Sport is something families can
participate in together, whether it is as athletes or spectators.
Your
child’s learning across the curriculum can also be developed through sports. Listening and communication skills are
developed not just by participation in a sport but also through
discussion. Encourage your child to
explain their viewpoint objectively and to accept that others’ views may
differ. Reading skills can be developed
by sports reports, sport themed books or biographies. Encouraging your child to write their own sports
report or create a fact file of a chosen athlete will develop their non-fiction
writing skills.
Observing
and recording results or sport statistics develops both maths and science
skills. For example, drawing bar graphs
of gold medals won at the Olympics or recording their own times and those of
other family members lapping the garden. Working out what time it will be when
the match finishes or measuring how far they can jump.
Through
sport, your child can learn about the world and different cultures, for
example, where is Pyeongchang? What is
the time difference there? What was the
average snowfall during the Olympics?
Children can also be
inspired by sports. Sports can provide
positive mentors and role models. These
people inspire us all not only with their achievements but also with their
skills and determination to overcome any difficulties and to improve. Unfortunately, there are also negative role
models in sports but children may learn from these too, for example, it is not
acceptable to verbally abuse another player or to cheat. The following observation by John Wooden
perhaps explains what we can learn from our role models, and about ourselves
from sports - "Sports do not build character. They reveal it!"