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My Resources
Importance of Physical Education |
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Why Our Children Need Physical Education
• Physical education is an integral part of the total education of every child in Kindergarten through Grade 12. Quality physical education programs are needed to increase the physical competence, health-related fitness, self-responsibility and enjoyment of physical activity for all students so that they can be physically active for a lifetime. Physical education programs can only provide these benefits if they are well-planned and well-implemented. • Improved Physical Fitness Improves children's muscular strength, flexibility, muscular endurance, body composition and cardiovascular endurance. • Skill Development Develops motor skills, which allow for safe, successful and satisfying participation in physical activities. • Regular, healthful physical activity Provides a wide-range of developmentally appropriate activities for all children. • Support of other Subject Areas Reinforces knowledge learned across the curriculum. Serves as a lab for application of content in science, math and social studies. (http://www.aahperd.org/naspe/template.cfm?template=childrenPe.html) • Self Discipline Facilitates development of student responsibility for health and fitness. • Improved judgment Quality physical education can influence moral development. Students have the opportunity to assume leadership, cooperate with others; question actions and regulations and accept responsibility for their own behavior. • Stress reduction Physical activity becomes an outlet for releasing tension and anxiety, and facilitates emotional stability and resilience. • Strengthened peer relationships Physical education can be a major force in helping children socialize with others successfully and provides opportunities to learn positive people skills. Especially during late childhood and adolescence, being able to participate in dances, games and sports is an important part of peer culture. • Improved self-confidence and self-esteem Physical education instills a stronger sense of self-worth in children based on their mastery of skills and concepts in physical activity. They can become more confident, assertive, independent and self-controlled. • Experience Setting Goals Gives children the opportunity to set and strive for personal, achievable goals. (http://www.aahperd.org/naspe/template.cfm?template=childrenPe.html) • In 1999, 13% of children aged 6 to 11 years and 14% of adolescents aged 12 to 19 years in the United States were overweight. This prevalence has nearly tripled for adolescents in the past 2 decades.
Why Our Children Need Physical Education cont. • Risk factors for heart disease, such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure, occur with increased frequency in overweight children and adolescents compared to children with a healthy weight. • Type 2 diabetes, previously considered an adult disease, has increased dramatically in children and adolescents. Overweight and obesity are closely linked to type 2 diabetes. • Overweight adolescents have a 70% chance of becoming overweight or obese adults. This increases to 80% if one or more parent is overweight or obese. Overweight or obese adults are at risk for a number of health problems including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and some forms of cancer. • The most immediate consequence of overweight as perceived by the children themselves is social discrimination. This is associated with poor self-esteem and depression (The Surgeon General's Call to Action Prevent and Decrease Overweight and Obesity Thursday, December 13, 2001)
My Web Site! Lind School District #158
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