PHYSICAL EDUCATION

                               Physical education or PE, also known in many Commonwealth countries as physical training or PT,  is an  educational courserelated to the physique of the human body. It is taken during primary and secondary education and encourages psychomotor learningin a play or movement exploration setting to promote health.

 

DEFINITION OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION

 

                               Physical education is a course taught in school that focuses on developing physical fitness, which could be thought of as having the ability to perform and enjoy day-to-day physical activities with ease. Kids also gain knowledge of movement and an ability to develop and refine skills necessary to participate in a wide range of activities, such as soccer, basketball, or swimming.   Regular physical education classes prepare kids to be physically and mentally active, fit, and healthy into adulthood.  An effective physical education program should include engaging lessons, trained P.E. teachers, adequate instructional periods, and student evaluation.

 

P.E. Curriculum

 

             In general, P.E. classes should include lessons that help kids: develop skill and confidence, develop and maintain physical fitness, learn about personal health and wellness, and demonstrate positive social skills.

 

DEVELOPING SKILL & CONFIDENCE

 

                    Physical education should include instruction that helps students develop physical skills and confidence. For  eg, elementary and middle school curriculum should include activities that help kids obtain and improve skills such as: running, catching, throwing, and striking, which could be applied to sports such as baseball, volleyball, or karate.    

                    Another example would be balancing skills that could be applied to dance or gymnastics. High school curriculum should focus on lifetime sports skills for example tennis or aerobic dance, with a secondary emphasis on team sports.

 

DEVELOPING AND MAINTAINING PHYSICAL FITNESS

 

                     Physical education should include instruction in concepts that lead to fitness development and experiences that foster the desire for lifelong participation in physical activity. For example, high school curriculum should prepare students to become highly proficient in one or more sport and/or fitness activity of their choice.

 

LEARNING ABOUT HEALTH AND WELLNESS AND DEVELOPING SOCIAL SKILLS

 

               Physical education classes should include lessons on the health benefits of regular exercise and healthy food choices along with the health risks associated with inactivity and unhealthy food choices should be an integral part of the physical education program. For example, students of all ages might be asked to dedicate themselves to making a few small improvements in diet and exercise for a period of six weeks. They would be expected to make the changes and journal about how they feel during the six weeks. At the end, they might be asked to reflect on how healthy changes affect performance and mood.

Physical education should also help students develop social skills. For example, asking students to play team sports helps them learn to recognize and respect others, contribute to a team goal, and socialize as a productive member of a team.