Physical Education is needed for a number of reasons. One obvious reason is health. Currently, obesity is a huge problem in America today. There has been various programs started to address this issue such as, the First Lady's let's move campaign, Everything is geared around increase health awareness in the US, but most importantly our youth. PE in schools today are a strong component to the solution of this growing issue.
Secondly, I feel as if PE helps a persons' self -esteem. It is a saying that if " you look good, you feel good" PE helps a person to feel that way. Constant moving and the ability to various " active" activities, gives that person a great sense of accomplishment.
Lastly, I believe PE can help a student grow in their other classes as well. If a student is allowed to express him or herself in PE through various movements, the more focus they can be in the classroom. I have seen students excel in PE and carry that momentum into their other courses. PE gives them an outlet to find out they are and what they can accomplish. By that I mean, being able to accomplish a sense of a healthy lifestyle and a " positive" mindset it can only help a student not only in their course work but in life.
Rashad, you know when I saw this posting I was going to comment! I love this posting and I totally agree. Physical education and health classes get overlooked as non-essential, when I think they are very needed in today's schools. I would also like to see physical education move into lifetime activities. For example, when as a 30 year old are you going to play dodgeball? But golf, tennis, or basketball you could be playing at 30.
ReplyDeleteRashad as I read this blog entry I am reminded about my interview process at Shady Side Academy in PIttsburgh, PA. I was interviewing for the position of a middle school Latin teacher. As the interview process went on the interviewer informed me of the difference at Shady Side. They make their teachers either coach or assist with a coach of two different sports. The teacher must assist with two different sports that occur at two different seasons. This is mandatory for teachers because as a part of the required curriculum Shady Side makes their students participate in at least one athletic program. The school day is even structured around for allotting time for such activities. Although the academic day might end earlier the remaining time is for after school athletics. As I was shocked to find out the reasons behind this, I also quickly agreed with it as a method of combating childhood obesity, which as you said is a very serious issue in America currently. Keep up the good work!
ReplyDelete