Use Basketball to Enhance Study Time

by Lyn Lomasi, Staff Writer

Image (c) Lyn Lomasi; All Rights Reserved

When you think of basketball, studying may not be the first thing that comes to mind. But, the sport can be a useful tool in helping shape a child's academic success. As a home-school teacher and innovative mom, I often come up with unique ways to teach the kids. Here are some of the ways to use basketball to enhance study time.

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Enhancing Math Skills With a Basketball

Some kids just do not find math enjoyable. To be sure they learn their skills, making it fun can help. Did you know that you can use a basketball to help enhance math skills? We play several learning games with the use of a basketball. Here's a simple one most kids can do. All you need is a basketball and 2 or more players. The first player says a math problem and bounces the basketball to the next player.

The next player solves the problem upon catching the ball. That player then states a new problem for the next person and so on. If the kids haven't mastered asking each other problems yet or are at varying levels, the parent or teacher can call out the problems. Do this for twenty minutes or more daily for the best results. If children are learning to count, they can also pass the ball back and forth and count to the desired number.

Basketball Trivia

Basketball trivia is similar to the game played above for math. But, instead of math problems, the child can be quizzed on spelling, vocabulary, geography, science, and more. You can even mix up all the subjects together. I have found this to be an effective study method when done regularly. In addition to a regular study tool, this can also be a great way to study for upcoming quizzes and tests.

Basketball as an Extracurricular Sport

I promised actual basketball too, so here it is. Numerous studies have shown the benefits of physical activity when it comes to academic achievement. Playing sports helps to increase endorphins, relax the mind, and bring focus. All of these and other benefits combined can aid in enhancing study skills, and in turn raising overall performance. Your child can play basketball with the family in the backyard or on a competitive team. Either will be sufficient. The physical activity chosen, be it basketball or something else, should be done regularly for the best effect.

*I originally published this via Yahoo Contributor Network