Physical
education should focus on developing moral behavior, just as it focuses on
developing health related components of fitness. A few of the many character
traits learned through physical education include discipline, teamwork,
dedication, and communication. All of these character traits are related to an individual’s
morals and will affect them in different aspects throughout the lifespan.
Individuals need to have strong morals in order to live healthy, happy lives
and be functional in society.
Beginning
in elementary school, children participate in P.E. games and sports in which
they learn valuable skills that will help them transition into being proper citizens.
If a physical educator fails to instill values of fairness, or does not enforce
sportsmanship, the children are not getting the moral lessons they need. Due to
the importance of physical activity for health, the physical educators do not
need to set time to separately study moral related skills. However, these
morals should be taught as part of the lessons of learning the rules of the
games, or sport skills. It would be irresponsible of the physical educator if
they left out this necessary component of physical education.
I most definitely agree that a crucial time for moral development is during the elementary years of kids’ lives. Physical Education class is where they learn how to build strong character traits such as teamwork and good sportsmanship just as you have mentioned. Currently, we are in a critical time in which schools are starting to shift into the mindset of thinking that PE is not important. We have to change this mindset in order to keep the best moral development class in motion. It is ultimately up to fitness majors to make this happen in the world. Good citizens ultimately come from a good educational background in which they have learned proper moral development. Physical Education is perfect for this development.
ReplyDeleteIf we can implement moral development into all elementary levels of PE just think about how better children would be. Instead of going away from PE we need make it a driven factor in developing character from kindergarten through 12th grade. What better way to learn moral education then through PE.
ReplyDeleteHelping develop children's moral at a early age is only going to help them in the long run. PE needs to be reconsidered as one of the classes that are absolutely necessary in todays society not only for the obvious physical fitness benefits but the enormous opportunity that is presented to develop these children's moral.
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