Abstract:

Today, due to development in technology, people adopt immobile life style. Children are one of the age groups who are affected by this sort of life style. However, motion (movement) is a crucial factor for physical development of a child. Participation in the physical activities during the childhood has some positive effects on the child. Better growth and development, gaining active life style, decreasing risks of possible illnesses, prevention of excessive weight gain can be shown as some of the positive effects. In this scope, as well as regular engagement with a sports branch, participation in physical activities is important for children’s physical development. Playing is one of the activities of this. Contemporary studies focus on effects of playing games on children in terms of developmental psychology, motivation and sociology. In this vein, this study is a literature review which investigates the role of sports and physical activities in child development as a preventive factor on the basis of theoretical explanations made in the related literature and research findings. Related studies illustrate that physical activities are crucial in terms of cognitive development of children where children can overcome fears; in terms of emotional development where children can be able to overcome social conflicts as well as recognition of the self and the environment and in terms of physical development where children can be able to acquire appropriate physical growth. As a conclusion of this study once more it is emphasized that sports, physical activities and playing games are important elements for child development in terms of cognitive, affective and physical domains.

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