As hot summer weather turns to a cooler, more colorful fall, now is the perfect time for kids to explore new activities, develop new skills, and experience the great outdoors.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that children ages 8 to 10 spend an average of six hours per day in front of a screen, and ages 11 to 14 spend an average of nine hours per day in front of a screen. Teens from 15 to 18 spend an average of seven and a half hours per day in front of a screen.
With technology incorporated more into our everyday routines, we, as educators, parents, and adults, must help our youth maintain a lifestyle balance. The answer? Physical activity and life skills games.
Why Is Staying Active So Important?
1. To state the obvious: it’s great for the body
According to the World Health Organization, under-active people have a 20 percent to 30 percent increased health risk. Regular exercise instills good habits in children early and helps them maintain a healthy weight, build strong bones and muscles, and improve cardiovascular health. It’s also great for the immune system, lowering susceptibility to common illnesses.
2. Don’t forget the mind
Physical activity is healthy for both the body and the mind. Being active releases endorphins, which act as natural mood lifters, helping lower symptoms of anxiety and improve self-esteem. Physical activity also stimulates cognitive functions like thinking, learning, memory, problem-solving, and decision-making.
Kids playing games and sports enjoy better overall focus, improved academic performance, and a more positive outlook on life.
3. Kids learn vital social skills
What life skills do sports teach? It’s pretty straightforward, actually—and it goes beyond the physical.
Sports and games provide an excellent platform for developing social skills. Through interaction with peers, children learn how to freely communicate, resolve conflicts, and work as a team. These skills are essential for building strong, healthy relationships throughout their lives.
4. What that can look like:
- Joining a local sports team
- Participating in group games
- Attending community events
- Engaging in cooperative play activities
- Taking dance or martial arts classes
- Volunteering for team-based projects
- Organizing friendly competitions with friends
- Practicing communication during games
Game On: 3 Fun Sports and Activities
1. Sports
Sports like soccer, basketball, baseball, and even track and field are considered structured and have set rules and organized teams. These sports provide a disciplined environment where children can learn the value of commitment, practice, and perseverance.
Participating in structured sports teaches kids to follow instructions, adhere to schedules, and work towards a common goal. They also have the opportunity to experience the thrill of competition, the joy of victory, and how to handle defeat.
2. Games and activities
Unstructured play is just as important as structured sports. These activities promote a sense of freedom and exploration, encouraging children to be independent and make decisions on their own. Here are some quick tips by grade level:
Preschool Activities
- Sandbox play
- Water play with cups and containers
- Nature scavenger hunt
Kindergarten Activities
- Free drawing with chalk outside
- Dramatic play with costumes and props
- Building with blocks or recycled materials
Primary Activities
- Capture the flag
- Group treasure hunt
- Friendship bracelets
3. Keeping kids engaged
Variety helps maintain children’s interest in physical activities. Balance organized sports with free play to keep things fresh, including activities your child loves, while introducing new ones to expand their experiences.
You can promote social engagement for your child by arranging playdates or joining community sports groups and camps. A diverse array of options increases the likelihood that your child will remain active and enthusiastic about physical pursuits.
Involving the Whole Family
1. Family ties
Getting the whole family involved in physical activities can make exercise more enjoyable, create lasting memories, and strengthen family bonds.
2. Support systems
Create a positive and encouraging environment for your children’s physical activities. Praise their efforts, celebrate their achievements, and provide constructive feedback. Encourage them to try new things and remind them that it’s okay to make mistakes and learn from them.
Remember that every child is different, and their abilities will vary. Focus more on the joy of participation rather than competition. Encouraging your child to set personal goals and celebrate their progress—no matter their skill level—will help them build confidence and a positive attitude towards being active.
Make A Move
As we have seen, the benefits of physical activity extend far beyond physical health; they inspire mental well-being, social skills, and teamwork.
By offering a mix of structured and unstructured activities involving the entire family and cultivating a supportive atmosphere, you can help your child build a healthy and active lifestyle that will serve them well into the future.
Looking for IB private schools in Virginia Beach that prioritize physical, social, and academic health? At Strelitz International Academy, we offer a world-class education that caters to each child’s holistic development, ensuring they thrive in all aspects of their growth.
As an International Baccalaureate (IB®) World School utilizing an inquiry-based educational program, our goal is to develop inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people who are motivated to succeed. Through inquiry-based lessons, students build critical thinking skills, nurture their curiosity, and gain the ability to solve complex problems in our Primary Years Programme (PYP) and Early Years Program.
To schedule your visit, call 757-424-4327. We are located at 5000 Corporate Woods Drive, Suite 180, in Virginia Beach, on the Reba and Sam Sandler Family Campus of the Tidewater Jewish Community.
