Participating in extracurricular events is important for students of all ages but, for middle schoolers, it is even more so. Your child’s middle school years can be challenging what with puberty being thrown into the mix along with standardized testing and more challenging academic standards. Student sports can be a great benefit to your middle schooler during this time, though there are also some drawbacks to consider. Keep reading to learn about the pros and cons of sports for middle schoolers and to learn how you, as a parent, can support your student-athlete.
This video from TheHealthyState presents Bonita Springs Middle School students and their physical education teacher sharing their thoughts on P.E. in schools. They speak in light of Florida House Bill 4057, which proposes removing the state mandate for P.E.
What Are the Benefits of Sports for Middle Schoolers?
Regular exercise is important for your child’s health and wellbeing and sports are a great way to ensure that your kid gets some exercise. Aside from the physical benefits of playing sports, however, there are some other benefits to consider. For example, a recent study has shown a link between physical activity and improved academic performance. The University of Kansas looked at the performance of students compared to their participation in athletics – the results of the study showed that student-athletes had higher GPAs and a 10% higher rate for graduating high school.