The Relationship between Physical Education and Cognitive Development of Preschool Children

Abstract

Brain development is a complicated process, and environmental stimuli during this developmental stage may modify the brain's functional growth and determine the integrity of the brain throughout life (Gomes da Silva & Arida, 2015). Although the relation between physical education and cognitive development is not very clear, some studies have shown that exercise and aerobics can improve the function of the brain, increase the size of critical brain structures and improve cognition in children and older adults. (Erickson et al., 2009, 2011; Chaddock et al., 2014). Such studies provide compelling evidence for the powerful effects of exercise on the brain. The researcher visited thirteen (13) public and private preschools in Qatar and conducted a structured interview with twenty (20) randomly selected Physical Education teachers to investigate the relationship between physical activities and cognitive skills of preschool children. The study showed that the physical education classes are favored among children their positive respond to it encourages healthy children means not only physically but also mentally which ease understanding of the academic lessons.