Parkour in Educational Settings - The Effect of Parkour on Children

By Jelani White

The art of efficient and creative movement that parkour offers has seen an increase of popularity in educational environments over the last several years, specifically with children. This is because many have witnessed and experienced how stimulating and beneficial this sport is mentally and physically across all ages of kids.

Studies show that children have a lot of energy because their bodies are still growing and experiencing expeditious changes. Parkour helps them tame this energy in ways that are constructive for learning, and creativity where the full body is used to run, jump, crawl and climb through their environment. Kids are constantly using their minds and bodies to adapt to the changes in the obstacles surrounding them. Using a combination of logistics and creativity in the ways we use our bodies, this helps with proper neurological stimuli when it comes to learning.

A scientific article published by Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy used a “qualitative software MAXQDA” that gathered the data related to these claims, quantifying the mental prowess of kids who participated in parkour.

The results of the data suggest that kids adapt psychologically to the kinds of risks taken in parkour, learning how to cope with fear and develop greater problem solving skills.

It’s okay to make mistakes: usually when kids are learning new things in the classroom, making mistakes lowers their motivation to learn, but parkour cultivates the kinds of minds that utilize problem-solving with fear instead of avoiding it.

The range of challenges that parkour provides comes with using creative tactics to overcome physical barriers as well. Examples include manipulating the body's speed, stealthiness, grip strength, flexibility, and stamina to meet the challenges with the right approach. Commonly there is going to be more than one way to conquer obstacles. All of this helps children to gain mastery over their mind and body.

In conclusion, parkour in educational settings has increased because divergent learning within the mind and body cultivates a healthier learning environment. The observations in data suggests that parkour is a sport that challenges children mentally and physically in ways that are beneficial for maturity.