THE INTERRELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE DEVELOPMENT OF SOFT SKILLS, ACADEMIC SUCCESS, AND PHYSICAL FITNESS OF YOUNG SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN

Abstract

Problem. The article examines the interrelation between physical fitness, academic success, and the development of soft skills in young school-age children. It has been proven that a high level of soft skills development (critical thinking, adaptability, creativity, leadership qualities, and teamwork) positively correlates with students' physical fitness, contributing to their social adaptation and holistic development. At the same time, a weaker correlation between physical fitness and overall academic success was found, indicating the influence of other factors. The obtained results confirm the necessity of a comprehensive approach to the educational process that integrates students' physical, cognitive, and social development. The study also substantiates the importance of integrating soft skills into physical education curricula to ensure the harmonious development of young schoolchildren.

The aim of the article is to substantiate the relationship between the level of soft skills development, academic success, and physical fitness of young school-age children, as well as to determine their role in shaping students' personalities.

The study's methodology is based on an analysis of scientific sources, empirical research, pedagogical concepts, and psychological approaches that reveal the connection between the development of soft skills, academic success, and the level of physical fitness in young school-age children. The study employs methods of comparative analysis, mathematical statistics, data systematization, and result generalization.

The research proves that a high level of soft skills development not only improves children's social adaptation and communication but also indirectly affects their academic success and physical fitness. The mechanisms through which soft skills formation can contribute to enhancing academic success and physical fitness have been identified, emphasizing its significance for the comprehensive development of young schoolchildren.

Conclusions: 1. The research findings confirm the importance of forming soft skills such as critical thinking, adaptability, creativity, leadership qualities, and teamwork for optimizing students' physical fitness and academic success. These characteristics significantly impact students' overall development and their ability to successfully integrate into society in the future. 2. It has been established that there are significant correlations between the level of physical fitness and students' cognitive and social qualities. The strongest correlations were recorded between physical fitness and leadership qualities, teamwork, as well as between physical fitness and critical thinking. The overall academic success of students demonstrated a weaker correlation with physical fitness, indicating the importance of other factors such as motivation, social support, and intellectual abilities in achieving high academic results. 3. A successful student development strategy should incorporate a comprehensive approach that integrates physical, cognitive, and social aspects of growth. It is essential that physical and psychosocial elements are harmoniously integrated into the educational process, promoting the well-rounded development of students and their preparation for modern challenges. 4. The study results may be valuable for educators and parents, as they provide insights for developing effective teaching strategies aimed at fostering not only physical but also cognitive and social qualities in children, which are crucial for their successful adaptation in society and personal growth.