As we kick off the second half of our school year, our team sports here on campus continue as well as our students’ other extracurricular activities that they might be involved in outside of school. While we take academics very seriously, it is also necessary to look at the importance of sportsmanship and how being on a team teaches valuable life lessons. Here are some examples:
Physical Health
The topic of obesity is a notable one in the news these days, and the importance of exercise is hyped more than ever. The health benefits of a child playing sports are widespread. Not only do students have fun exercising, but they also learn structured forms of activity where they can learn skills such as coordination and agility. The physical aspect of sports helps children build muscle and improve motor skills.
Working with Others
Team sports teach students how to work well with others. While on a team, they must think of the good of their group instead of just themselves as individuals. They learn to be happy for their teammates’ successes in addition to their own because every person’s success benefits the team. They learn to interact with peers and respect their fellow teammates and coaches. The sense of organization, teamwork and following rules help in the classroom and will also help someday in the workplace.
Life Skills
Sports often provide constructive learning experiences and teach hard work, patience, persistence, focus and discipline. The knowledge of how to respond appropriately to setbacks and failure is implemented. Students are taught the basics of scheduling because academic and activity time have to be balanced. Responsibility is eventually taken on by students to establish this balance that can be carried with them throughout life.
As we delve into our next round of academic subjects in the New Year, remember to learn from your experiences outside of the classroom, too. Get out there, have some fun and be a team player!
