uring my early years, I remember spending time in our backyard playing with my siblings for an hour before having to come in and begin homework. My time outdoors was filled with creative play and chasing childhood dreams. I still remember the smell of the fresh air; every season brought new adventures. As we often say, “Those were the good old days!”.

Decades later, watching my grandchildren enjoy spending time outdoors brings me great joy. When our twin grandsons learned to walk and could not share their thoughts with words, they would bring their little sneakers to me and point to the door. I knew right away that they wanted to go outside. Now that they are almost five years old, the benefits of the outdoors are priceless. Outdoor time helps them release stored-up energy while enjoying the fresh air.

For countless reasons, outdoor exercise has increased in popularity during the past forty years. One of the most significant reasons is that exercise can increase blood flow to the brain, enhancing cognitive function and leading to better academic performance. Below are five other reasons why exercise can benefit students, academically:

Evelyn Sullivan, M.Ed.

Director of Early Childhood Education and R.E.A.C.H.

Evelyn Sullivan is the Director of Early Childhood Education for North American Division. She spent many years teaching young children to love to learn. She has combined her passion for teaching and administration to promote the importance of early childhood education.