Over the past decades, experts have done a considerable amount of research to explore different ways to encourage children’s learning. Especially, there has been a common focus on how physical activity, separated from the learning activities, can improve children’s learning. However, there has been less of a focus aimed the potential of integrating physical activity into the learning activities.

The main purpose of the Basket Mathematics study conducted at five Danish primary and elementary schools by researchers from the University of Copenhagen therefore was to develop a learning activity that integrates basketball and mathematics and examine how it might affect children’s motivation for mathematics.

756 children from 40 different classes at Copenhagen area schools participated in the project, where about half of them－once a week for six weeks－had Basketball Mathematics during gym class, while the other half played basketball without mathematics.

“During classes with Basketball Mathematics, the children had to collect numbers and perform calculations associated with various basketball exercises. An example could be counting how many times they could sink a basket from three meters away vs at a one-meter distance, and adding up the numbers. Both the math and basketball elements could be adjusted to suit the children’s levels, as well as being adjusted for whether it was addition, multiplication or some other operations that needed to be practiced,” explains Linn Damsgaard, a leading researcher.

The results showed that children’s motivation for math integrated with basketball was 16% higher compared to classroom math learning. Children also experienced a 14% increase in self-determination compared with classroom teaching. Meanwhile Basketball Mathematics improved their math confidence.

“We are planning to do research to examine whether the Basketball Mathematics model can strengthen performance in mathematics. Once we have the final results, we hope that they will inspire school teachers and principals to prioritize more physical activity and movement in such subjects. Eventually, we hope to succeed in putting these tools into school system and teacher education,” says Associate Professor Jacob Wienecke.

They train four hours a day,often waking up at 4:30 or 5:00 for before-school practices.Their evenings and weekends are eaten up by twice-weekly travel games.Every day is the same;there’s no break.No,these aren’t Olympic athletes;they’re kids.

The benefits of sports are obvious.So,it’s not surprising that,according to CNN,41 million American children play competitive sports.But when does this become too much of a good thing?

Seven years ago,a survey in SportingKid magazine found 84 percent of athletes’ parents had observed belligerent behavior in other parents at games and that 80 percent had been targets of this behavior.What does this say about sports culture,and our culture as a whole?Some parents have become so crazy about their children’s winning that they don’t stop to think about what example they are setting.

If athletes are constantly surrounded by adults who scream at coaches and attack sports officials,they may think that this is acceptable behavior.They’ll try to win at all costs.In other words,they won’t know how to accept defeat,and learn from it.

The amount of time some athletes spend practicing can be dangerous.According to Sports Illustrated,over 3.5 million athletes younger that 15 suffered from a sports-related injury—that’s nearly one in ten!Many injuries cause permanent（永久的）damage if not treated.

So what can we do about this situation?Some argue that there is no problem,because sports has always been and will always be competitive.But did your grandparents spend hours each day practicing tennis or volleyball?No,they probably played with the neighborhood kids after school,not worrying about winning.All they wanted was to have fun.And that’s what we need to change in youth sports—focus on enjoyment.

International Sports Groups & Clubs in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is an international city with a rich history and a highly diverse population from 180 different backgrounds, enjoying a broad range of culture and lifestyles. Here’s a selection of useful information to make your time in Amsterdam as easy and enjoyable as possible.

Amsterdam Football

It’s men’s football 1st team playing in the official Dutch Football League System.

New players are always welcome to try out.

Email: r.mac@ hotmail.com

Website: www.facebook.com/ExpatFootballAmsterdam

Amsterdam Triathlon and Cycling Club

Focused on cycling, the Amsterdam Triathlon and Cycling Club is a social club that welcomes foreigners and locals alike, with training going hand in hand with coffee shops and after-training drinks. There is also an annual dinner party that extends to athletes’ friends and families. It has regular rides and runs for beginners as well as experienced cyclists, and welcomes new members.

Email: atac.club@ gmail.com

Website: www.atac-club.nl

House of Running

It’s a social running club offering programs for advanced fitness levels to prepare for various races, such as the Amsterdam Marathon, half marathon or ultra–marathon race. Get in great shape, make friends and have fun. The group meets weekly in Amsterdam, with two 20–21 week training seasons per year.

Email: info@ houseofrunning.com

Website: www.facebook.com/HouseofRunning

Slim Tennis

The Slim Tennis is situated near Amsterdam Zuid WTC and offers tennis lessons to foreigners of all levels(including beginners). Custom lessons are possible, plus individual and group lessons can also be held during lunch hours. These can be provided in English, French or Dutch.

Email: info@ slimtennis. Nl

Website: www.slimtennis.nl