16.09.2023
Physical education classes are extremely important for children's and personal development. Individuals who participate in sports start life with a head start in terms of self-discipline, physical and social development. Children who play sports can be exemplary individuals, from making friends to their family life.
Children's desires should be taken into account when supporting them in sports. Families should consider which sport their child is talented in and listen to the opinions of physical education and sports teachers. Unfortunately, for today's generation, who grow up at home and spend less time outside than we did, engaging in at least one sport, whether individual or team, is extremely important. One of the biggest problems today is that some families focus more on their children's academic achievements, putting sports in the background. However, if we talk about the positive effects of sports on children, children who participate in sports:
Improved physical fitness
Skill development
Regular, healthy physical activity
Development of self-confidence and self-esteem
Experience in setting goals
Self-discipline *Development of reasoning
Stress reduction and they are at a very advanced level in strong interpersonal relationships
One of the most important things we need to know in order to raise healthy individuals is the activities to be done according to age groups. For example;
2-5 years: throwing, catching, running, jumping
6-9 years: throwing a certain distance, hitting a ball, transitioning to basic sports movements
10-12 years: it is necessary to develop complex motor skills including sports such as basketball and football.
Physical education allows children to develop their self-worth, fostering a sense of self-worth and enabling the development of physical activity concepts and skills. It allows them to develop a more confident, independent, and self-controlled personality. It provides children with opportunities to set and support achievable goals. High-quality physical education can positively impact moral development. It teaches students about responsibility for their own behavior in relationships with others, leadership, problem-solving, and rules. Furthermore, regular physical exercise positively affects the development of children's bones and central nervous system, while also promoting weight control and balanced weight gain. Children who regularly participate in sports and focus on a particular sport develop self-confidence and a sense of responsibility. They gain skills in time management and communication with others. Through team sports, children learn sharing, solidarity, cooperation, and teamwork, discovering their own talents. Children who strengthen their memory and intelligence through sports gain a broad social circle and develop positive self-esteem. Children who compete, lose, and win learn to be happy by experiencing different emotions and excitements. They apply the knowledge they gain in sports to their daily lives, achieving success and earning appreciation. For example, in our school's physical education and sports classes, children learn to congratulate the opposing team after winning or losing, and to avoid bullying. Sports can be more than just a situation where winners and losers are determined; it can be an activity done purely for fun.
As teachers, we are obligated to show our children the best, fairest, and most correct path. I believe that one of the most important aspects of this happens in physical education and sports classes. A child who doesn't learn to share, who doesn't know how to lose, who values their friends instead of saying "I'll do the best myself," will always start life one step behind, no matter how intelligent or academically successful they are. We don't only need intelligent children. As our great leader Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk said, "I love the athlete who is intelligent, agile, and intelligent."
Sports are highly valued at our school. Our school, which excels in basketball, continues to cultivate sports-loving, conscious, and characterful athletes.
Keywords: Physical Education, Sports, Academic Success, Talent, Self-Confidence
