Objective: To describe the contribution of the characteristics of the physical education class in the improvement of the cognitive functions of memory and attention in schoolchildren aged 6 - 14 years. Methodology: Review of the current scientific literature that includes articles in English indexed in the Scopus, Medline, Pubmed, and Dialnet databases using as search words: Physical education, cognitive functions, executive functions, children, physical activity, physical exercise. Results: A great scientific evidence of the contribution of physical activity in the development of cognitive functions in children and pre-adolescent population is reported.In turn, it is shown that the most relevant characteristics of the physical education class to improve cognitive functions are moderate to vigorous intensity activities and physical activity greater than 180 minutes per week. Conclusion: It is shown that the time established by educational institutions for physical activity is not enough to generate a report on the enhancement of cognitive functions of memory and attention in children and preadolescents.
