SPORTS IN EDUCATION

MARISON D. GUEVARRA

Before, school life of pupils usually revolves only in the four corners of their classroom. Doing activities like listening to teachers, participating to the daily discussion of the lesson, reciting, writing, drawing, preparing for the tests and the like were the common routines of the pupils. More importance also was given to exam grades and very less to skill development or extracurricular activities. But today, the concept of education has changed over a period of time where more focus is given now towards a holistic development of pupils. These days schools are equally focusing on the extra-curricular activities and sports apart from academics to make pupils well-rounded individuals.

Sports play an important role in educating pupils. It does not only train pupils to maintain the physical stamina, but also the habit of obedience, determination, dedication, commitment and most of all discipline. Sports teaches pupils to become strong from inside and also develop a fit and sound body. Integrating sports in education can help pupils to develop a selfmotivating spirit to do things on their own and having ownership of these. Engaging in sports can help pupils to relax from their daily routine of learning course and lessen the exam stress as well. Daily training helps them acquire leadership skills. Qualities like tolerance, patience and tips to handle pressure is well taught by sports. It also develops the value of team spirit and proficiency to share winning and losing.

In sports, there are number of opportunities available awaiting for the pupils. Sports work towards teaching a pupil how to take up losing spiritedly and bounce back readily on his feet. It also teaches fair play and single minded determination thus strengthening the fighting spirit of the pupils.

Education means imparting knowledge of both academics and sports to the pupils, as it aims to achieve the holistic development of every learner. If the pupil is only good at academics yet fails to even participate in sports, he shall lose confidence and lag behind. Sports provides fun and mental and physical stability and thus is important in education these days.

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The author is Teacher III at Sta. Tereza 2nd Elementary School, Lubao West District