Physical education is an integral part of the educational process and should not be neglected. While not all kids are athletic, and that’s OK, physical exercise is still a crucial part of learning and brain development and in essence, it helps us to learn optimally! This is why sports and physical activities should definitely not be omitted from school curriculums.
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. - https://www.shakopee.k12.mn.us/Page/964
To state my claim, I have included 8 reasons as to why physical education is important for children below:
A fit child is a happy child: Healthy exercise helps to improve and develop children's muscular strength, their flexibility, muscular endurance, cardiovascular endurance and overall body composition. A happy child learns far better than an unhappy one.
It aids with development skills: Physical exercise can help to develop both gross and fine motor skills which in turn allows for safe, successful and satisfying participation in other physical or quiet time activities.
It gives you the opportunity to practice other skills: Physical activities often require the use of knowledge and in many of the sports, games and movements a mixture of science, maths and social studies is required.
Self-Discipline: Students are shown how to take responsibility for their health and fitness levels and they are expected to maintain this responsibility.
Improves social development: A good physical education can influence moral development and gives the students the opportunity to practice leaderships skills, how to get along with others (teamwork) as well as how to follow and give instructions diplomatically, strategically and fairly.
It helps to reduce stress: Exercise is one of the best ways to release stress, tension and anxiety. For a healthy mind; one needs to have a relaxed and positive disposition.
It helps with self-confidence and self-esteem: Physical education has a way of making one feel better about themselves, both physically and emotionally. Not only does feeling fit and healthy make a person feels good, it makes them energetic and ready for what’s next.
It teaches students how to set goals: Physical education gives kids (and adults) the opportunity to set and strive for personal, achievable goals. It is of course important that these goals are achieved wisely.
So, teachers, the next time you think of replacing physical exercise with a free lesson, or if your school decides to omit the subject completely, please take note that you are removing a very integral part of learning from your students. Some us are born with two left feet, this does not mean that we should not be partaking in physical exercise, it’s still important for learning and brain development.
