Ratey shares 4 benefit to exercise that go beyond just improvement in brain functioning; they are:
1. IMPROVED ATTENTION- Better physical fitness equals better attention because kids slow down and make sure they get their next move right.
2. STRESS REDUCTION- Students learned that they could reduce stress by running laps and thus manage their brain through exercise.
3. SOCIAL IMPROVEMENT- Some bright kids have historically been considered nerds in gym class. At Naperville they were taught that exercise improved their brain functioning so they finally understood the value of it. Once the brighter students began to excel in their exercise regimen, they were no longer considered nerds and their social standing improved.
4. REDUCED DISCIPLINE PROBLEMS- A school in Kansas City instituted the Naperville exercise program. The school reduced the incidence of violent confrontation by 67% in one year. This is very dramatic for an inner city school district where many students come from impoverished homes.
So if you mentor in a district that is thinking of reducing physical education opportunities, please share with them the importance of keeping children fit. You can do your part by going to the gym or out on the playground with the student you mentor.
Next week, we’ll continue on exercise and its impact on brain functioning.