Fostering Emotional Regulation of Elementary School Children Through Games in Physical Education

Abstract During the elementary years, children often struggle with learning how to properly manage their emotions. Emotions affect one’s cognitive and metacognitive abilities and responses to problems faced. It is important for children to learn these concepts at an early age to improve their lifelong emotional regulation abilities. Studies show that participation in physical activity and sports are correlated with positive emotional development. Particularly, games in physical education can foster emotional regulation during children’s movement. While physical educators are struggling with students’ control of emotions, this article aims to explain benefits of incorporating emotional regulation into physical education and how to teach it through games.