Journal of Educational and Developmental Psychology; Vol. 12, No. 2; 2022 ISSN 1927-0526 E-ISSN 1927-0534 Published by Canadian Center of Science and Education 83 The Relationship between Physical Education and Cognitive Development of Preschool Children Tamader Al-Thani 1 1 Psychological Sciences Department, College of Education, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar Correspondence: Tamader Al-Thani, College of Education, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar. E-mail: tamader.althani@qu.edu.qa Received: June 25, 2022 Accepted: July 26, 2022 Online Published: August 18, 2022 doi:10.5539/jedp.v12n2p83 URL: http://doi.org/10.5539/jedp.v12n2p83 Abstract Brain development is a complicated process, and environmental stimuli during this developmental stage may modify the brain’s functional growth and determine the integrity of the brain throughout life (Gomes da Silva & Arida, 2015). Although the relation between physical education and cognitive development is not very clear, some studies have shown that exercise and aerobics can improve the function of the brain, increase the size of critical brain structures and improve cognition in children and older adults. (Erickson et al., 2009, 2011; Chaddock et al., 2014). Such studies provide compelling evidence for the powerful effects of exercise on the brain. The researcher visited thirteen (13) public and private preschools in Qatar and conducted a structured interview with twenty (20) randomly selected Physical Education teachers to investigate the relationship between physical activities and cognitive skills of preschool children. The study showed that the physical education classes are favored among children their positive respond to it encourages healthy children means not only physically but also mentally which ease understanding of the academic lessons. Keywords: physical education, cognitive development, academic education, pre-school 1. Background Physical education is an integral part of the holistic development of a child (Chaddock et al., 2014). Physical Education is not just about playing games and getting the child to move; PE teachers also have the great responsibility of developing the preschooler’s skills in the three domains of learning and health-related fitness (psychomotor, cognitive, and affective). Over the past two decades, Qatar has witnessed constantly ongoing educational reforms including excessive efforts establishing the curriculum standards and providing very high-quality school buildings and facilities. Moreover, the Ministry of Education and Higher Education has been hiring highly qualified P.E teachers following them up through the Department of Educational Supervision and the supervisors of the PE Department, with the aim of providing teachers with the necessary skills to develop their professional growth, as well as providing them with continuous training programs to develop their knowledge and teaching skills. These programs are often organized at Qatar University and at the the ministry’s Professional Development Centre in Al Waab area. The building and design of these schools follows the Qatari code and standard design model for schools, comprising various facilities including science, language and IT laboratories, as well as sports and art halls, multipurpose halls, gyms, libraries and classrooms in addition to outdoor spaces with shaded parking spaces, green areas, playgrounds and service buildings. The design also complies with safety requirements of the Global Fire and Security Systems and Qatari Civil Defense. Physical education helps to improve the level of active and healthy life, encourages students to participate and enjoy sports activities, maintain an active and healthy style, apply practices that maintain health and well-being, and contribute to the mental, emotional and social development of students (Erickson et al., 2019). Accordingly, preschools will continue to emphasize the importance of engaging in Developmentally Appropriate Practice – a concept of matching practice with what we know about the development of young children (Essa, 2011). It is essential for teachers to be aware of the different types of play that develop the children’s physical, social, and cognitive skills as they grow up.