Physical Education
It is really important that we promote competitive support in schools. It is very important that we recognise that has to be underpinned by good quality physical education and by getting people into patterns of exercise - Sebastian Coe
image by: Jimmy Chan
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Taking the Dread Out of Phys Ed
For many middle school students, the words "Phys Ed" are enough to provoke fear—fear of getting dressed in the locker room, of wearing a nerdy uniform, of looking clumsy, of being picked last.
Tammy Brant, a gym teacher at Selma Middle School, in Selma, Ind., is rethinking the way schools have taught girls and boys about fitness. Instead of group calisthenics and contests that favor the most athletic kids, Ms. Brant, like many other teachers nationwide, devotes class time to fitness instruction and to games structured so that more kids can play and enjoy.
Instead of pushing everyone to hit specific performance targets, she urges them to progress toward individualized "fitness…
Resources
Gym Class Is So Bad, Kids Are Skipping School to Avoid It
Not only does P.E. do little to improve physical fitness, but it can also lead to truancy and other disciplinary problems.
How You Felt About Gym Class May Impact Your Exercise Habits Today
People tended to harbor vivid memories of gym class, a new study found. The results could have implications for motivating adults to stay physically active.
Learning To Move, Moving To Learn: The Benefits Of PE
When it comes to kids and exercise, schools need to step up and focus more on quality as well as quantity. And, says Dr. Gregory D. Myer, they need to promote activities that develop motor skills, socialization and fun.
Physical activity programmes in schools aren’t working – here’s why
International guidelines recommend that young people aged five to 18 should do at least an hour of moderate to vigorous physical activity every day. But globally, eight out of ten adolescents fail to meet these guidelines. In particular, girls and children from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds are less likely to be physically active.
Physical Education is just as important as any other school subject
The Association for Physical Education maintains that high quality PE fosters the physical, moral, social, emotional, cultural and intellectual development of pupils. But the many aims for PE – such as health promotion, skills development as well as a focus on social and moral issues – has resulted in confusion about the subject and has done little to further the educational experiences in practice. In fact, it has been argued that PE offers more entertainment than education.
Thinking skills in physical education
This article demonstrates how the development of thinking skills can help build a bridge between subjects such as physical education and social studies. Through a contemporary dance approach, the author supports students’ creativity and leads them to express their understanding of the unit ‘Sharing the planet’ in a meaningful way.
To Really Learn, Our Children Need the Power of Play
In Finland, William experienced an education culture that protects and cherishes childhood, one in which students are immersed in a play-rich education that goes all the way to high school.
A brief history of the bizarre and sadistic Presidential Fitness Test
If you're of a certain age, a few phrases might give you nightmarish flashbacks: flexed-arm hang. Shuttle run. Sit and reach. Those are just a few of the torturous exercises from the Presidential Fitness Test, the physical-fitness gantlet for middle- and high-school kids in the United States. It was finally retired after the 2012–'13 school year. But even though the Presidential Fitness Test is now a historical relic, questions linger about why we were ever forced to do it in the first place.
Busting BMI: Body positivity in school physical education
If the relationship between a middle schooler and his or her body were Facebook official, it would read "It's complicated." Hormones and growth spurts add to the puppy-clumsiness and general dislike of the middle school body. So, why then are physical education classes around the nation teaching BMI curriculum that inaccurately tells students that they are possibly overweight?
Despite Obesity Concerns, Gym Classes Are Cut
“There is shrinking P.E. and recess time for our kids,” Dr. Ratey wrote. “P.E. teachers are fighting like cats and dogs to hold the line on their jobs and worth, at the same time as there is a dawning awareness that we have missed the boat.”
Dodgeball Should Not Be Part of Any Curriculum, Ever
Making kids play team sports in PE is neither healthy nor educational.
Here's How Much Children's Physical Inactivity Is Costing You
Since the 1980s, kids' physical activity has been going down while obesity has been going up. But why should you care, especially if you don't have kids or don't like kids (if you have kids, it is better if you like kids)? Well, our study, just published in Health Affairs, shows you why these trends are going to cost you regardless.
How Physical Fitness May Promote School Success
Children who are physically fit absorb and retain new information more effectively than children who are out of shape, a new study finds, raising timely questions about the wisdom of slashing physical education programs at schools.
Learning Through Play
Education does not stop when recess begins.
Make P.E. Great—For The First Time? PLT4M Raises The Game With Personalized Physical Education
PLT4M is building a research-based fitness program that aligns to each state’s fitness standards from 7th grade through the college-bound high school athlete and pairing it with an online platform that enables P.E. teachers and coaches to create a tailored playlist of workouts and lessons for each individual.
PE Isn’t Just A Course In School; It’s An Opportunity
Beyond all the facts and figures, there are intangibles such as PE being fun. Healthy competition is a good thing. So is teamwork. Situations can help build character. And it’s all done as part of games. Again, I encourage you to think back to your own PE experiences and recall moments and mentors that helped shape you.
Physical Education in American Schools Is Getting Lapped
Are U.S. schools shortchanging kids of the movement they need to learn?
Physical Education Trend Must Be Reversed
In an era of near epidemic childhood obesity, our schools need to reverse their priorities in this area and focus on creating more physical education, intramural sports and other physical activity opportunities for the student body at large.
The most dangerous high school sports, in one chart
Turns out cheerleading has lower injury rates than most other high school sports, and tumbles cause more injuries than pyramids. Who knew?.
When Will PE Become Physical Education?
I’m making a bet with anyone that if you asked 1,000 former students if they thought PE was a valuable subject in school and that it could be worthwhile in helping them stay healthy - I’m saying 994 people would say no.
Taking the Dread Out of Phys Ed
Instead of pushing everyone to hit specific performance targets, she urges them to progress toward individualized "fitness zones." She teaches the stages of a workout—warm-up, training, cool-down—and straps a heart monitor on each child. The goal is to instill healthy habits for life.
Association for Physical Education
Our purpose is to promote and maintain high standards and safe practice in all aspects and at all levels of physical education, school sport and physical activity influencing developments at national and local levels that will impact on pupils’ physical health and emotional well-being.
PE-4-Kids
Movement matters.
The PE Specialist
This site is dedicated to helping you become a better teacher. The site was created to help teachers save time, learn to become more effective at their craft and promote quality Physical Education in schools everywhere.
ThePhysicalEducator.com
ThePhysicalEducator.com is an online professional development resource for physical educators. Our mission is to help you become the best physical education teacher you can be.
Alliance for a Healthier Generation
Childhood obesity is a national epidemic. Nearly 1 in 3 children (ages 2-19) in the United States is overweight or obese, putting them at risk for serious health problems. As parents, caregivers, brothers and sisters, leaders in schools, communities and healthcare, we can work together to create a nation where the healthy choice is the easy choice. Learn the facts, our approach to solving this epidemic and how you can help be a part of the change.
SHAPE America
SHAPE America – Society of Health and Physical Educators serves as the voice for 200,000+ health and physical education professionals across the United States. The organization’s extensive community includes a diverse membership of health and physical educators, as well as advocates, supporters, and 50+ state affiliate organizations.
SPARK
SPARK strives to improve the health of children and adolescents by disseminating evidence-based physical activity and nutrition programs that provide curriculum, staff development, follow-up support, and equipment to teachers of Pre-K through 12th grade students.
Champions for America’s Future
Founded in 2013, Champions for America’s Future now boasts a roster that includes hundreds of prominent athletes, coaches, and sports leaders. From skating legend Peggy Fleming, to Heisman trophy-winner Herschel Walker, to Coach K of Duke University basketball fame, Champion’s members educate policymakers and the public about practices and policies that prepare children to become smart, healthy, active, and productive citizens.
Edutopia
Explore and share tips, strategies, and resources for helping students develop physical fitness and health.
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