Physical
Education has been viewed by some to be of little importance when it comes to
actual academics. Some individuals feel that the time spent in PE could
actually be used for other things such as tutoring, or STAAR testing tutorials.
So how do physical educators defend their role against such an argument?
Studies
show that PE may very well be linked to better academic achievement. According
to the International Journal of Obesity,
“To date, the available information suggests that improvements in cardio
respiratory fitness have short-term and long-term positive effects on
depression, anxiety, mood status and self-esteem in young people, being also
associated with a higher academic performance.”1 Taking PE out of
public schools would only hinder children from doing their best in the
classroom. Games, activities, and exercise actually help to develop a child’s
creativity. In the academic journal Quest,
the author also states, “Physical education content should be valued because
the performance thereof can constitute creative, intelligent human behavior.”2
Physical
Education is necessary in the public schools and can actually help with
academic performance. So why put it on the chopping block if it’s so valuable?
It may be because research such as this has not made it to all of the public
schools.
In
next week’s blog, ways to become an outstanding PE teacher will be presented.
1Ortega,
F. B., Ruiz, J. R., Castillo, M. J., & Sjöström, M. (2008). Physical
fitness in childhood and adolescence: A powerful marker of health. International Journal of Obesity, 32(1),
1-11. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/sj.ijo.0803774
2Johnson,
T. G. (2012). The significance of physical education content: “sending the
message” in physical education teacher education, Quest, 64(3), 187-19. Retrieved from http://ehis.ebscohost.com
Physical education is extremely important for the overall health of children. For some children, P.E. is there favorite class. They should be able to have one class a day where they can enjoy their time at school. For students who do not enjoy P.E., it is still important. Children need to learn about the importance of exercise and health to establish good habits at a young age .Then hopefully these habits stay with them for the rest of their lives.
ReplyDeleteP.E. Is very important especially in the younger grades. Those students are jam packed with energy and if they dont let it out thats when some start to miss behave. P.E. teaches and gives them ways to release that energy. Then they would be able to stay focused more once that pent up energy is released.
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