Importance of Physical Culture for Children

Children are introduced to physical culture from a very young age. From “Mommy & Me” infant movement classes, to youth recreational soccer leagues, to sibling rough-housing. Physical culture is key for healthy child growth. Children start to develop gross motor skills as early as four to five months old. Before kids learn to talk, they use physical gestures to communicate with others. They learn social cues and context first through body language and behavior. Children rely on bio-pedagogy teachings to understand how their body is an instrument for communication and activity. Even as children learn to communicate verbally, physical culture continues to guide how they interact with one another and the rest of society.

Child playing kickballSport is one method of teaching these crucial social skills. When part of a sports team, kids learn how to work together and rely on each other. Individually, they learn how to express themselves and their goals through the effort they apply to their physical activity.

Sport is one method of teaching these crucial social skills. When part of a sports team, kids learn how to work together and rely on each other. Individually, they learn how to express themselves and their goals through the effort they apply to their physical activity. Most importantly, children learn through sports that the physical cultural practices of society are contextually specific. Just as the skill set and etiquette required for golf are not the same as what is expected for football, different cultural settings require different physical behavior. The way children treat their peers in the classroom may not be how they treat their opponents on the soccer field. With physical culture as an aid, children can understand easier what behavior is appropriate in different social contexts.

Sport and physical movement are especially important for children with special needs. Participating in physical activities can help children with disabilities develop their motor and cognitive abilities. Like with any kid, sport teaches their minds to be focused and engaged in the task at hand. For many non-verbal children, sport can act as an outlet for aggression or excitement. Physical activities can improve a child’s patience, sportsmanship, and willingness to share – skills that can be more difficult to learn in the classroom. 

Overall, it is incredibly important for a child’s developmental growth that they maintain daily physical activity, not just for their bodily health, but for their cognitive skills as well. Sport and movement teach children important social skills and cues that will guide them through life. Kids of all ability levels must participate in some form of physical culture to not only engage their bodies but their minds as well.

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