Ballroom dancing 'boosts behaviour'

School staff could find their pupils are better behaved if they provide them with ballroom dancing lessons, according to the Daily Mirror.

The newspaper reports that the Essentially Dance programme that is being used in schools across England to encourage more young people to take up exercise is also helping to boost the behaviour of pupils when they are in the classroom.

According to the study of 2,500 children aged five to 18, pupils who were previously uninterested in sport have become more willing participants in physical education lessons, while it has also helped to improve their behaviour.

The initiative is backed by Strictly Come Dancing professionals Darren Bennett and Lilia Kopylova and the newspaper also suggests the scheme has helped to boost the self-esteem of shy children.

Earlier this week, the School Food Trust highlighted the importance of a healthy diet to help children do well in exams.

The organisation warned that many children like to snack on chocolate and drink caffeine-filled beverages while revising, but warned that healthier snacks such as fruit could help ensure better marks in exams.




Published On 26/06/2009