According to Beauvais's analysis in the report of "Literature Review on Learning through Recreation", it is stated that "there is virtually unanimous agreement on the importance of recreation in developing the physical, psychological and social abilities of children and youth".
As the report's evidence points out, physical activity is an important impact of growth and maturation for youth. There are many positive impacts of recreational activities: it increases muscle strength, motor fitness and aerobic capacity and declines in the risk of coronary disease for youth at risk; it helps kids to establish self-esteem, acceptance with peers, and brings about less boredom and results in fewer school drop outs. There even are psychosocial implications that kids who engage in recreational activities in their early years tend to keep their activity level up through life, and become more willing to get involved in organizations and communities.
After reviewing and evaluating various statistics and graphs, it is observed that the amount of good parks and play spaces in the neighbourhood obviously increased rates of participation in recreational activities, sports and the arts. Outdoor playground is very important to the well-being of children and our community. It promotes spiritual, moral and character development of children. Playing in playground not only helps with children's physical activities but also develop their cooperation and self-confident. Outdoor playground is also a complex social network for kids to learn relationship-building skills. They learn self-control, compromise and tolerating others.
Overall, Leisure activities and parks contribute to youth’s health, mental well-being, and overall physical fitness. It is essential to the holistic development of our children and youth. Therefore, it is important for our communities to support the upgrades and expansion of recreational facilities. Canadian government also emphasizes on the needs and impacts of recreational development. “Our government knows the investment made to improve these local playgrounds reflects the importance these facilities have on the community’s quality of life,” said Ashfield, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. Improvements will increase the accessibility to valuable community recreational facilities while generating additional local economic activity. Promoting more recreational activities will greatly benefit our youth and the community as a whole.
Good review Anderson! I fully agree that by promoting more recreational activities, the youth and community as a whole will benefit greatly. I grew up playing various sports and continue to participate in sports to this day! I can't imagine living without recreation in my life! I definitely agree that youth development can be enhanced by recreational participation, and that every child should have the opportunity to participate in recreational activities.
ReplyDeleteGreat analysis of the article Anderson. Proper heath and fitness for children are vital towards a heathly lifestyle. I agree that children need recreation in their lives even if it is just a playground. It's interesting how recreation can influence a spiritual well-being and overall mental health and not only affect a childs physical needs.
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ReplyDeleteWell done Yao! I did a project on the analysis of exercise and brain stimulation in High School - turns out that those who exercise on a daily basis are more likely to do better in school than those who don't. Many of us are " brain washed" in terms of exercise. Most of us view exercise as simply being in great shape but it is so much more. I really enjoyed reading your blog. Also cudos to including an analysis of an Atlantic Canadian(they're smart people!)
ReplyDeleteGreat Post! Sounds like a very interesting/motivating article you found. Without recreation and excersize this world would be a totally different place and not for the good. Keeping a fit, active lifestyle is something that should be promoted from a very young age and something that I was lucky enough to be showed very young. I don't think I will every let go of sports and fitness. It is something which definitely defines me as a person and grows relationships with all people involved for the better!
ReplyDeleteI can't agree with you more about the playground in the community. Not only does it make a great social network for kids but the parents too. All members of the community can actually benefit from the playground!
ReplyDeleteI like the mention of not only the benefits of children being physically active, but the economical impacts as well. Always nice to hear that the government is emphasizing the needs and impacts of recreation development too. I grew up playing road hockey in tennis courts in parks, so I can firsthand tell you the joy of having one in your community can bring. Having teams comprised of community members helped build relationships as well.
ReplyDeleteNice post Mr. Anderson! Now more than ever there is need for recreational activities for children. With today's influences of video games and television kids won't(or may not) learn the fundamental physical and social skills to allow them to competently function in society. Recreational activities are essential to the development of youth.
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