B1难度（PET）

Sports Help Kids Handle Stress and School

A new study discovered that playing sports can help kids deal with stress and do better in school, even during tough times like the COVID-19 lockdowns.

Scientists at the University of Waterloo found out that kids who took part in fitness classes and sports before the pandemic felt less stressed and more capable of handling challenges during the lockdown. The study looked at 116 students who played sports at school in January 2020, before the pandemic, and April 2020, during the lockdown.

The researchers think that playing sports helps kids learn how to deal with difficult situations, like losing a game or facing challenges. This can also help them handle setbacks during tough times like the pandemic.

The study suggests that schools should include sports as a way to improve students' mental health and well-being.

生词学习

Pandemic (noun) /pænˈdɛmɪk/ 

- A disease that spreads across countries or continents.Chinese: 大流行病 (dà liúxíng bìng) 

Example: The COVID-19 pandemic affected people all over the world.

Lockdown (noun) /ˈlɒkdaʊn/ 

- A situation where people are not allowed to enter or leave a place due to an emergency.Chinese: 封锁 (fēng suǒ) 

Example: During the lockdown, we had to stay at home to stay safe.

Competence (noun) /ˈkɒmpɪtəns/ 

- The ability to do something well or successfully.Chinese: 能力 (nénglì) 

Example: Her competence in math helped her solve difficult problems.

Stressors (noun) /ˈstrɛsərz/ 

- Things that cause stress or make someone feel worried.Chinese: 压力源 (yālì yuán) 

Example: Too much homework and tests can be stressors for students.

Well-being (noun) /ˌwɛlˈbiɪŋ/ 

- The state of being healthy, happy, and comfortable.Chinese: 幸福 (xìngfú) 

Example: Exercise and a balanced diet can improve your well-being.

读后思考

Why do you think playing sports can help kids handle stress and do better in school?