The obesity rate in the United States is an issue that is hitting the nations youth at an alarming rate. How much time should an Elementary, Middle School, or High School student spend in a Physical Education class daily?
Well....it all depends on their BMI :). Actually, though, I am a huge proponent for more PE. Due in part to a great teacher in high school, I'm still involved in intentional physical activity everyday. If we can get kids motivated about their own health and how it affects all the other areas of their life, then we can establish exercise for life. I don't think the amount of time is as big of an issue as the intrinsic motivation that is being developed in PE.
I agree with Chris--if students learn to lead healthy lifestyles and exercise at a younger age, they will be more likely to continue the habits later on in life, particularly if they connect exercise, or P.E., with fun memories.
I think the high school requirement is 2 semesters...?? Anyway, that probably isn't enough. I'm not sure that making our students work out is the best way to fight obesity. I think it is critical to educate our kids about the SIGNIFICANT impacts associated with being overweight - they're tremendous. In middle and high school it seems everything revolves around social perception, but in the big scheme of things its their health and overall well-being that suffers.
Well....it all depends on their BMI :). Actually, though, I am a huge proponent for more PE. Due in part to a great teacher in high school, I'm still involved in intentional physical activity everyday. If we can get kids motivated about their own health and how it affects all the other areas of their life, then we can establish exercise for life. I don't think the amount of time is as big of an issue as the intrinsic motivation that is being developed in PE.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Chris--if students learn to lead healthy lifestyles and exercise at a younger age, they will be more likely to continue the habits later on in life, particularly if they connect exercise, or P.E., with fun memories.
ReplyDeleteI think the high school requirement is 2 semesters...?? Anyway, that probably isn't enough. I'm not sure that making our students work out is the best way to fight obesity. I think it is critical to educate our kids about the SIGNIFICANT impacts associated with being overweight - they're tremendous. In middle and high school it seems everything revolves around social perception, but in the big scheme of things its their health and overall well-being that suffers.
ReplyDelete