Schools face push to keep kids active in the classroom in lead up to new school year

VICTORIAN schools are facing a push to keep kids active in the classroom to boost their brain power.

Playball sports co-ordinator Angela Rako and her daughter Gabrijela having fun at Mordialloc. Picture: Chris Eastman

VICTORIAN schools are facing a push to keep kids active in the classroom to boost their brain power.

A new school of thought claims that cutting lessons to add exercise is time well spent and won’t come at the cost of good grades.

An expert statement published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found cardiorespiratory fitness benefited brain development and function.

Former teacher Tammy Ceppi, who runs the Playball sports programs in Australian day cares and schools, said “the body trains the brain”.

She called for more classroom activity, as of thousands of students prepare to start school on Tuesday.

The British Journal of Sports Medicine found cardiorespiratory fitness benefited brain development. Picture: Chris Eastman

“I would advocate for more physical activity throughout the school day,” Mrs Ceppi said.

“Having two short recesses and a lunch break where kids can get out and run is not enough.

“The more active and busy they are in the classroom, the more they are setting themselves up for good learning.”

Mrs Ceppi said sport helped children develop neurological paths for body balance, hand-eye coordination and concentration.

But she said throwing a ball also directly helped kids grow the muscles needed to hold a pencil.

“There is a very strong connection between the ability to concentrate in school, sit straight at a desk and follow written words on a page with catching, throwing, kicking and hitting a ball,” Mrs Ceppi said.

“The early years are the most crucial years in a child’s development and this is when age appropriate sport needs to be introduced.”

Mt Eliza youngster Sophie Combes, 8, and her siblings Will, 6, Finn, 3, and Max, 2, have all been through sports development programs.

Mum Louise Combes said it help them learn patience, fine motor skills and to follow instructions.

She said the exercise helped the older kids’ classroom performance.

“I have wanted all my kids to do it,” Ms Combes said.

“They learn that they don’t always win, to do things as a team, to take their turn and to listen.

“It is beneficial in all areas and gave them confidence when they did start school.”

@moniquehore