Today we discuss the reading from Joel Spring's book. In Chapter 9, Spring talked about extracurricular activities. The structure was to help shape individuals to conform into the workplace and society. Today there are many activties that are being cut or there is a " pay to play" option. One point that was brought up in our discussion was how team sports and activties help students become better students. I agree with this point for a couple reasons. One reason is that sports and activities give students something to be apart of. For example, when I coach basketball it is more than coaching basketball, it is about helping indviduals reach their fullest potential on and off the court. I teach my players how to excel in their social, behavioral and life skills. Basketball is the honey that attracts the students and once I get them in the gym, I can teach them the things to be succesful.
Secondly, sports and activties give students something to be apart of. Typically, when you are apart of activity or group there are standards that must be met such as, grade point averages. When this is in place students feel the need not to disappoint their teammates, but also themselves.
I believe team sports and activties are needed to enhance the overall student/person.
The main reason sports have been reduced in some districts to a pay-to-play option concerns the money outlaid by the district and the skyrocketing costs of some sports. This measure to balance many district budgets is of concern to me. At Benedictine, we have a great sports program that is an integral part of the education of young men. I do believe that educating the mind-body-spirit is a powerful force and responsibility for us educators and administrators. But there are side-effects of school sports (such as large equipment costs, liability insurance, parental problems, etc.) that are causing the original focus of sports in schools to be lost. Interscholastic competition has a great role to play in the lives of our young people. But responsibility, sportsmanship, listening skills, team-building, physical-mental integration must all be part of the equation.
ReplyDeleteOn my worst days in the office, when sports becomes a headache for the school, I look to the European model of club sports. In Europe they do not have school teams, but club teams are wildly popular and serve the same purpose as our school teams. Who says our schools have to do everything? The lessons learned in athletic competition--or any competition for that matter (drama, debate) help the student in the long run. These activities are part of the education of the student as a whole. But might not necessarily be the sole responsibility of the school program or district.
Michael, I think the reason we look to the school district to provide the opportunities is because it costs the parents little or no money at all. If you removed extracurricular activities from the schools it would save a lot of money and headaches for the administration, but it would also deprive many students of these opportunities.
ReplyDeleteYes, many parents would seek out those opportunities for their children. But those are probably the children getting enough attention and stimulation at home. The ones that would be deprived of the opportunity are probably the ones that need it most.
Additionally, extracurricular activities serve as a motivating factor for some students. Take away those options and there will almost certainly be a decline in school performance and even attendance in those students.
Participating in team sports for the majority of my school career, I learned more about myself than I did in the classroom. Playing sports provided me with the opportunity to develop a mental toughness in order to get better at a particular skill. I learned that you may not always be able to do something on the first try, but if you keep trying, you will get better. Even more, as a team player, I learned the importance of collaboration and communication in working towards a common goal. Motivated by my teammates and coach, I also learned the power of keeping a positive attitude.
ReplyDeleteI understand that it might be a headache for administrators given the reasons Michael stated. However, Ryan, you are right on when you say extracurricular activities serve as a motivating factor for students. Students often want to do well in school, so they can participate in their sport or club. Many also tend to not want to get in trouble with drugs, alcohol, etc in order to participate. Taking extracurricular activities away might cause more issues.
Rashad, I agree that all the extra-curriculars has the potential to interfere with learning in the classroom. However, activities and sports help us become well-rounded individuals. Exposure to these activities gives us a chance to explore new ideas that can impact our lives. I played sports throughout high school and the team concept taught me how to relate and work with others in a positive atmosphere. Gym class taught me to love golf! (Although, John broke his nose when he stood too close to someone’s swing!) I coached a high school lacrosse team for five years because of my experience. My high school classes were lectures and personal peer relationships did not easily develop in the classroom. I know that teaching methods have improved to more student collaborative learning activities, but sports serve a positive purpose for many of our students.
ReplyDeleteHey Rashad
ReplyDeleteI thought your post was beautifully written. You said "coaching basketball is about helping students reach their fullest potential on and off the court." What an amazing perspective to bring to the classroom or to the court in your circumstance. As I mentioned on Ryan's blog, I think that this type of education is so very important to the development of our youth. Students need this type of outlet, not only for the athletics of it, but also for the team aspects, and the idea of a collaborative group effort. Rashad, you very well may change the world with you perspective, and I look forward to working in the same city as you are. Your ideas are always coming from the heart, and you always seem to bring a certain spirituality to the table. Your students are blessed to have you in their lives, and I truly believe that you are going to change lives.
My dude Rashad. Robert said it well - you really are going to change lives! You've touched mine in a way that will always make me think about how observant you are and how complimentary your personality is. You light up a room and make me want to do the same with my students. It's a great point that you make here about physical education. I think its a necessity. As a former athlete (how depressing) I often look back and struggle to imagine what its like for people to NOT participate in extracurricular activities. I'm so thankful for my experience at both the high school and collegiate level, because I believe I emerged a very well-rounded person. It's incredible to me that some people who I went to school with just stuck their nose in their books and in running into them when I'm home, they are the most AWKWARD people to talk with! Sports and other activities taught me to socialize, to be able to talk to people, to work in groups, to be a leader, to know when to let another lead, the list goes on and on. I think we do need people to excel in school, but we also need those people to be able to communicate. Great thoughts and ideas about P.E. May 2012... (hoping I pass). Three pictures. It's a deal!
ReplyDeleteRashad,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that good coaches influence young people to make good choices in and outside the classroom. For many students, it is only through their participation in sports that they receive any public recognition. Playing sports also helps these students to feel connected to school and part of student body.
I agree, extracurricular activities are so important to children. I was always in at least one activity in school and it sometimes made the experience bareable.
ReplyDeleteI also want to say, I told you they were good. I'm just so glad to see positive black men in the school system. A lot of our children never get to experience a positive black man and that makes you such an asset. Thanks.