Life Lessons From Sports

At Polk County private schools, we believe that sports offer students the opportunity to learn and grow outside of the classroom. We encourage each child to find their passion, get active, and grow into a well-rounded individual. Learn about the life lessons that children gain from sports:SportsmanshipIn sports, children learn how to win and lose with grace and dignity — especially when they’re experiencing anger and frustration. They learn how to manage their emotions, and they become aware of how their attitude can either energize and inspire or demoralize their teammates.Setting GoalsPlayers learn how to set goals and determine how to reach them. They get to practice breaking down their goals into achievable steps along the way and set a plan to meet them, which not only helps them perform in sports but overflows into all aspects of their lives. They continue to strive higher for the goals they set for themselves.PersistencePerseverance is a skill every athlete must practice in order to succeed. When your child learns how to push through challenges — even when they are feeling unmotivated or discouraged — they learn better time management, how to set and achieve long-term goals, and prioritize their tasks.Learn From MistakesWhen they mess up during games or practice, they have to learn to think of these moments not as mistakes, but as learning experiences. They can push themselves past their boundaries and get outside of their comfort zone, and they learn how capable they are when they give themselves space to fail.TeamworkAccording to the famous coach of the Chicago Bulls, Phil Jackson, “the strength of the entire team lies in the hands of each member.” Players learn how to work together to achieve a common goal. They appreciate each other’s different talents and strengths. They develop leadership skills through motivating teammates and delegating tasks, and they learn how to follow by taking instructions and respectfully questioning authority.ResponsibilitySports give children an opportunity to take on serious responsibility for their own actions and own improvement. In team sports particularly, children learn that their actions affect not only them, but also their teammates and that they have people counting on them and their contribution. They learn that if they want to improve and practice, it’s up to them to make it happen.At Polk County private schools, we foster an atmosphere of care and an environment of high expectations and effective discipline. To learn more about what makes us different, contact us at 407-246-4800.