Faribault Daily News – Gloria Olson
“Signed the kids up for lots of activities this summer? Driving them here and there for sports, lessons and other structured activities? Good for you … maybe. Just so you leave plenty of time for play. The most ambitious research study ever confirms the importance of physical activity for brain health, especially the thinking skills that most affect academic performance. It’s even been shown that math and reading test scores rise when children go for a brisk walk beforehand. Sports teams can provide some of that physical activity as long as there’s not too much prescribed play and bench time. But old-fashioned running, jumping, chasing and similar free-time activities have the most benefit.”(more)