How can parents and school leaders resolve the conflict between play and academics in a child’s life?

(By Vijay Krishnamurthy and Saumil Majmudar, authors of “Get Kids To Play”)

News from our neighbourhood

Here we go again! Every available hour of a child, even during summer vacation, is booked by parents and school leaders, with a clear tilt towards academics. “When all other kids in our apartment complex are playing outside, our children are going to school. Fearing that the school may target the children, we decided to be quiet” the parent of a student at a school in Rajajinagar, as per the news article by Deccan Herald.

The good news though is, parents of students in such schools have raised objections and approached the Karnataka School and College Parents’ Associations’ Co-Ordination Committee, requesting to take up the issue before the Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (KSCPCR). But was this example an exception? What if the majority of parents don’t speak up, or school leaders don’t take action?

“Get Kids To Play” panel discussion?

During our book release event on May 04th in Bangalore, me and Saumil chose to dig deeper on this topic, and hosted a panel discussion that included a diverse set of stakeholders - parents, school leaders, non-profit organizations, and infrastructure providers. When both of us were? working on our book “Get Kids To Play”, we found that getting kids to play is a classic "everybody's baby is nobody's baby" problem.

Everyone on the panel agreed that kids should play, but there is a need to collaborate further about getting kids to play consistently, safely, and in a fun and inclusive manner. So, how can we resolve the conflict between play and academics in a child’s life?

What’s the connection between play and academics?

(Book Excerpt : "Get Kids To Play", Notion Press)

My childhood memories are often punctuated with the vivid imagery of school days, especially the exhilarating physical education classes. I recall the rhythmic thumping of dozens of feet on the playground, the sun casting long shadows as we chased after balls, and the shared laughter that seemed to echo beyond the school grounds. It wasn't merely about the games we played; it was about the sense of camaraderie and the sudden surge in focus and energy we all felt upon returning to our classrooms. Our minds seemed clearer, our concentration sharper. This memory resonates deeply with the findings of a study from South Africa by Du Toit and colleagues in 2011, which explored the critical relationship between physical fitness and academic achievement.

In the bustling urban environment of Potchefstroom, researchers turned their attention to 212 students from grades 4, 5, and 6. They employed the Bruininks-Oseretsky motor proficiency test, a detailed assessment of physical fitness, and sought to correlate these findings with the student's academic performance at the end of the year. The results were as clear as the sky during our morning games: physical fitness and academic success had a definitive positive relationship. This revelation led to a robust call from educators, parents, and policymakers across South Africa to include mandatory physical education in schools.

This story finds an echo in another part of the world, where Negi and colleagues conducted a similar study in India in 2016. Engaging with 400 students aged 12-18 from schools in Delhi and Pune, this research utilized a questionnaire-based interview over three months. The findings aligned with the South African study, revealing a positive correlation between physical activity and academic performance among the students surveyed.

Together, these studies weave a global narrative that reflects the universal truth of the symbiotic relationship between physical well-being and mental acuity. They don't stand as isolated phenomena but as part of a global pattern underscoring the critical need to integrate physical fitness into the educational paradigm. Just as my childhood experiences hinted at this connection, the research provides tangible evidence of the wide-ranging benefits of physical education.

Reflecting on these insights prompts us to reconsider the academic curriculum and re-evaluate our broader societal approach to education. How do we ensure that physical fitness becomes an integral and fundamental component of our children's daily lives? The answer lies in acknowledging the invaluable role of physical activity in fostering healthier, more focused, and ultimately more successful future generations.

What topics would you like us to cover?

The book had to be written, given our collective experiences over decades as an Athlete, Coach, Practitioner, and Researcher. Therefore, me and Saumil Majmudar designed the book with two critical decision-makers in mind – parents and school leaders. Both groups want to get the kids to play but often struggle with the “How?” and get bogged down with obstacles.

If you have suggestions or recommendations on topics relevant to getting kids to play, please write to [email protected]. To know more, please visit https://www.sportzvillage.com/get-kids-to-play/

(By Vijay Krishnamurthy and Saumil Majmudar, authors of “Get Kids To Play”)