Gurukul were places where children could learn sports alongside their academic studies. That culture has a major impact on how a child should get an education in India. Since ancient times, sports have been a significant part of a child’s education and learning system. And the current education system in boarding schools is highly influenced by this traditional “Gurukul Shiksha Paddhati”, or a system of mentoring.
Though, the physical and mental growth of children in a boarding school is undoubtedly the most prominent benefit and contribution of sports activities. Sports are crucial to supporting a child’s holistic growth. Yet, the values sports add to a child’s life do not end here. There are numerous positive aspects of taking up the right sport for your child that reveal the true beauty of sport
This blog covers the great benefits of playing sports for school-age children. Also, the factors you can consider for choosing the right sport when he/she attends a boarding school in India.
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Sports and children
No other activity in life provides children with such an opportunity to develop positive character traits and to soak up many values as sports do. Engaging in sports has many benefits, and it’s not all physical. For children, sports activities can help create habits and health benefits that last well into adulthood.
Sports help children develop physical skills, get exercise, make friends, have fun, learn teamwork, learn to play fair, and improve self-esteem. Sports bring up healthy competition that takes out the prevalent “win at all costs” attitude. This affects the world of children’s sports and academics. The habits, attitudes, and behaviors taught to children in sports carry over to adult life and help children develop good sportsmanship.
The list of values a child may learn and acquire from participating in sports is immense and is listed below.
> The holistic development of a child’s character
Through fair play, character and moral principles prevail rooted in children. Moreover, active sports participants can be good role models for their classmates, neighbors, or even the school chorus and inspire them to start playing sports. While your child is engaged in sports activities, he is in a world where he strives to be the best. Playing sports will not only make your child healthier, but it will also help him have better mental health. To overcome any challenges, he may face at this age. Isn’t that what we all need?
> It creates lifelong friendships.
Playing sports allows children to make friendships that they might not have formed otherwise. Such bonds, for example, are maintained even when they are not playing sports and often last a lifetime. We know that the objective of sports is to bring people from all walks of life together, regardless of their social status, financial condition, or place of origin.
> Importance of Teamwork
Any sport needs trust and teamwork between the team members to work together. When there is no trust, the players play alone, and the team suffers. Sports offer the best opportunity for children to experience teamwork and social interaction. Kids learn they are part of a team that requires the same effort from all members to succeed and how to win with class and lose with dignity.
> Competitive learning
Children are supposed to learn through sport, and competition is a vital component of team sports. It helps create a competitive edge that can only be valuable to the team and its members. It makes children believe in working in a team and begin to view competitions on and off the field as opportunities to improve. Also, losing in a sport often motivates kids to work much harder the next time.
> Coping with school stress
Academic performance has been proven to be a key source of stress in children, resulting in behavioral changes and a loss of focus. Children are stressed by a lot of situations, notably homework and peer pressure. Teenagers have a long history of participating in school sports. Still, the benefits may go beyond just building team spirit, especially for students who face increasingly stressful conditions in their daily lives. Children who participate in sports perform better in academics as well.
“You can also help your child find the right sport or activity for him/her by considering age, maturity, and abilities,
Choosing the right sport for your child
Most parents want to encourage their children to play sports. They want them to be healthy and active in whatever sport they choose. However, it takes time for parents and children to find a suitable sport. As parents, you should be patient in selecting a sport for your child since it is a process that will pay off in the long run. To help your child get the most out of sports, you need to be actively involved. It includes:
>>A child at this age is typically ready to take on sports such as football, basketball, hockey, and volleyball.
>>Keep in mind that growth spurts can temporarily affect coordination and balance.
>>Ensure your child has the proper technique and movement for whatever sport he/she chooses to avoid injuries.
>>Take your child’s age, maturity level, and size into consideration before letting him/her participate in a contact sport.
>>Organized athletics may not interest your children, so let them explore other options.
>>It is still possible for children to be physically active by biking, hiking, jumping rope, or playing tag with friends.
>>Our overall goal is to teach your child the benefits of lifelong fitness, not the other way around.
>>Not to stress them enough or impose unrealistic expectations and hard-to-achievable goals on children from the beginning.
>>Provide emotional support and positive feedback by attending some games and talking about them afterward.
>>Teaching your child to handle disappointments about losing by praising their efforts to compete and improve athletic skills
>>Forcing the child to play some sports may have the opposite effect and, as a result, make them develop an aversion to sports in general.
>> Let your child first get used to sports, then accept them, and get to like them so they can become part of his or her everyday life.
>>It is vital to allow your child to discover and explore other things besides sports.
>>Results, achievements, medals, and awards may come later, though they require hard work, discipline, and sacrifice.
>>Children usually have a natural preference for specific sports and activities. Consider these factors when comparing sports.
a. How much will your child enjoy the activity?
b. Does the sport emphasize age-appropriate skill development?
c. Will there be opportunities for each child to participate?
Best Sports Boarding Schools in India
Most boarding schools in India include sports facilities for students. Still, choosing the right boarding school for your child may depend on many factors. Many top boarding schools in India provide the best academic and sports facilities for children. It makes it much easier for students at boarding schools to get a holistic environment to improve their mental and physical strength. Today, many CBSE and IB board boarding schools in India encourage their students to participate in sports activities during school hours.
On top of receiving a world-class education, there are certain facilities boarding schools offer to create the desired environment for students.
The best residential schools in #Dehradun, #Bangalore, and #Mumbai are the most popular for nurturing the best versions of children. Providing equal and better opportunities to the child brings out his/her talents to shine in this competitive world.
Moreover, these boarding schools have a long history in the sport, with many notable alumni that include many athletes and sports celebrities.
Famous sports personalities who went to boarding schools
- KL Rahul (Indian national cricket team)
- Abhinav Bindra (2008 Olympic gold medalist, Shooting)
- Pankaj Advani (Indian billiards and snooker player)
- Robin Uthappa (Indian national cricket team)
We have listed the top sports facilities and the best sports boarding schools in India,
- ODM Global School, Bhubaneshwar, Odisha
- The Asian School, Dehradun
- JAIN International Residential School, Bangalore
- MODY SCHOOL, Rajasthan
- Springfield World School, Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh
To keep the students engaged and physically fit, boarding schools offer a number of sports facilities:
- Football field
- Swimming pool
- Outdoor and indoor sports facilities
- Trained coaches and world-class sports teachers
- Basketball court
Boarding Schools of India
Boarding Schools of India is the best resource for getting information, advice, and finding the best boarding schools in India. Our team of specialists can evaluate your child’s boarding school requirements and any concerns you may have
We also recommend the best boarding schools in India.
For help send your questions to us.