By Our Reporter
Co-curricular activities are important in development of school children, educationists have reiterated, emphasizing that activities like sports helps children develop concentration and self-discipline.
“It is one of the activities that makes the growing up process comprehensive and enjoyable at the same time,” a school administrator at Delhi Public School International, a Naguru based international school, said.
To achieve this, schools must promote team sports like basketball, netball, basketball, lacrosse, football and individual sports like swimming and athletics.
“The competitions teach them how to accept defeat and how to start anew, a trait that will be useful for them even in the future. We encourage children to take part in games and sports because one of the best attitudes that will be developed in joining team sports is teamwork.” He added.
Kampala Parents’ School, a city private school owned by the Ruparelia Group believes children who participate in sports also be more aware of healthy food choices.
The school, with some of the best sports facilities in the country, says children are able to apply the same principles of dedication and hard work learned through sports participation to their studies.
“They also learn to interact not only with other children their age, but also with older individuals in their coaches and sports officials. Kids also learn leadership skills, team-building skills and communication skills that will help them in school, their future career and personal relationships,” an administrator at Kampala Parents’ School noted.
Less stress, health living
“We believe that children who play sports are less stressed out than those kids who do not take part in any physical activity. Participation in sports has many other benefits like increased cardiovascular fitness, a healthy growth in their tendons, bones, ligaments and muscles. They will develop better balance and coordination and get good sleep,” he added.
Kampala Parents’ offers a complete curriculum whereby games and sports play an important part. Each class timetable has periods for physical education and games. Different games are trained and competed in within the school. The school sports complex has facilities to ensure that a variety of games are played.
“Children’s participation in sports at an early age works to develop their physique, cognitive skills, social relationships thus identifying and tapping into the different talents these children may have.”
“At Kampala Parents’ School, we believe that learning through play works because children are more likely to remember lessons if they enjoy them, and they are more likely to show enthusiasm for learning if they have fun at school.
“For example, if children learn about the planets by singing a fun song about them, they will likely remember that song and the information they learned. Ongoing research also shows that playful teachers can increase their students’ long-term academic performance.”