Athletics

Athletics is an excellent means of developing the integration of the body, large motor, and brain.

Athletes learn to do by following their coach's/gym teacher's instructions. The learn to do by doing. They also learn by helping each other. Student athletes on any level become part of a team. Each gets an opportunity to run, jump, throw, catch, hit, shoot, pass, dribble, etc.

They congradulate each other, learn to communicate with each other both verbally and through signals/signs. Coding and decoding signals/signs is developed. Sharing in success and failure is part of athletics. contributing to the good of the team and school, entities larger than self is integral. multiple methods of communication are developed.

Athletes like those in music, art, crafts, etc learn to attend to what is important, screen out distractions, restrain impulses, and more.

A student athlete does not have to be on the varsity. Intramural sports and Gym/Physical Education classes are excellent parts of a preschool through 12 curriculum.

These skills help with academic development as well as social. They carry on into adult life. Adult who have athletic backgrounds have the ability to participate on many levels. These communication and other social skills begin on a very concrete level but are gradually internalized.

Organized athletics is a great contributer. Pick games are also very helpful. The participants are able to take the skills they have developed under adult instruction to their personal interactions. Adult oversight without interference, may be desirable, to guard the children from inappropriate interference.