If your son or daughter is struggling in school despite lots of studying, he or she may need to shut those books and get outside for some energetic playtime.

New research from scientists in Finland shows that children in first through third grade tend to do better in school with increased levels of physical activity.

Specifically, more active play at recess and the habits of walking or biking to school were linked to better fluency in reading. Organized sports participation was tied to improved math skills.

These trends were strongest among boys. The researchers didn’t find solid associations between physical activity and academics when they looked at girls alone.

It’s not clear why the results for boys and girls were so different.

But the investigators did have a suggestion as to what’s behind improved academic performance in some children. Exercise is known to cause or boost production of certain biochemicals, which may then ramp up brain function.

If you think about it, the idea of a link between academics and physical activity isn’t surprising. Sometimes, getting up from the desk and taking a walk around the office or parking lot is all an adult worker needs to encourage creativity and help solve that complex problem the boss assigned.

So, if your kid needs help at school, don’t neglect to think outside the classroom and prescribe a bit of outdoor play. Or, sign your child up for a sports team when the New Year rolls around.

The Christmas break is a great time to encourage kids to be physically active, whether that means taking the sled out for some runs down the hill or visiting your community’s recreational center for a game of basketball. Use this holiday season to encourage your kids to build healthful physical activity habits they can carry into the New Year and new semester.