PDFE #9: Importance of Early Grade Physical Education

In elementary school, I attended a private school in Maitland, Florida.  I had PE about three times a week for an hour at a time. The class of about 30 kids was taught by a PE teacher and it was a very traditional approach. We played a lot of formal games such as soccer, basketball, flag football, etc.  Most of the classes were held outside on the fields because we did not have a gym.  I really enjoyed my PE class because it gave me an excuse to get out of the classroom and let some of my pent up energy out.  As I grew older, my middle school and high school still required gym class at least 2-3 times per week (we had either health or gym every day on a rotating basis).  The format was a little different because we had a gym and there were a much wider variety of activities we could choose from (we got to choose from a list what games/skills we wanted to learn once we were in gym).  Although I enjoyed the class, it was pretty boring at times because we had to do a lot of fitness testing, which meant there was a lot of time spent sitting and waiting while others tested. In terms of other physical activities, I spent a lot of time playing sports outside of school. In early elementary, I did gymnastics. Then, from elementary to high school I played soccer and from middle school to high school, I also played lacrosse.
I do not think elementary, middle, and high-schoolers are receiving enough PE in Georgia.  Middle school does not require PE and high school only requires one semester so kids are not learning the physical activity skills that are important for motor development throughout a lifetime.  Kids also spend all their time cooped up in a classroom so cognitively, they will have a harder time keeping their energy up and focusing on the material.  Also, they are not learning the health topics that promote healthy lifestyle choices so obesity and teen pregnancy are becoming more prevalent.  I think there should be at least 4 days of one hour PE from elementary to high school ages.  Classes should emphasize constant movement and teaching relevant skills to children. The ideal class would only have about 20-25 people, it would have adequate equipment, the teacher would be specializedin PE topics, and the kids would enjoy going to the class because they would be learning skills that they enjoyed and believed they would actually use.
PE and PA are very important for children.  They help teach skills healthy habits at a young age and help give them a positive attitude towards exercise for life. It also can improve fitness which can help improve self esteem in kids of all ages.  Lastly, it promotes teamwork and good sportsmanship which are important social factors for children to learn so they can better maintain friendships in life.   I think the skill theme emphasis is the best approach to PE. It teaches the skills that children will use for the rest of their lives in physical activity instead of just the rules to the game. In the traditional approach, children can "get lost in the game" and not really participate, but in a skill themes approach, everybody learns the skills without anyone feeling embarrassed or put on the spot.