Out with the Old and In with the New!

I recently read an article written by Linda Strean titled, "What's new in Physical Education?" It was very interesting because it showed that people are finally starting to pin-point and realize the place where all children's health problems are starting; Elementary school. She talks about how many elementary schools are still competition phase with activities such as dodge ball and yearly fitness testing. However, a number of schools are beginning to reinvent their programs.

Strean writes that there is quite a shift beginning to happen from within the Physical Education Realm. While some schools are putting recess on lock down and cramming more academic classes into the time allotted, schools who are implementing new PE are having students participate in a program that their parents wouldn't even recognize.

Previously said, elementary school is when the foundational learning takes place. I see too many kids today that struggle with simple and basic movements. This is due to fact that they were never taught correctly...or even at all. Elementary school is when we need to be teaching children basic movements and skills and making sure that these children have the opportunity to develop them in a wide variety of activities. Jacalyn Lind, President of the National Physical Education Teachers Organization, quoted, "Somewhere throughout the school year, children should feel there's an activity they're successful at."

Now what does this look like; what do we need to so this can happen? Instead of larger groups with small amounts of equipment, we need to lower the equipment-to-student ratio. This will then give the opportunity for more skill-development for more students.

So what does the old and new PE look like? Old PE takes the form of yearly fitness tests, little conditioning in relation to personal goals, and competitive atmospheres where performance is tied to awards and public acknowledgment. New PE takes the shape of helping children learn and understand how and why physical fitness is important, teaches correct motor skills, and how to enjoy physical fitness. This system allows children to set personal goal that are reasonable for them to accomplish.

The nice aspect about this article is that at the end, parent were able to respond to the article; with their personal experiences with their kids and school programs. Here is the site to read their comments:

http://www.greatschools.net/cgi-bin/showarticle/762