The Importance of Quality Physical Education
Of the many subjects children study in school, there may be none more important than physical education. However, it must be of high quality and aligned with our state/national standards and guidelines. In a high quality physical education program, children develop the skills, concepts and values needed to be physically active for life. Sufficient, regular physical activity not only helps prevent major diseases but it also promotes learning, reduces stress, anxiety and depression, and improves overall wellness. It doesn’t matter if the child excels in every other subject in school and grows up to become a successful doctor, lawyer or engineer, -with poor health, any professional achievement becomes secondary.
On our site we provide tools and resources to support REAL quality physical education teachers and programs. There are many factors that contribute to the ease of implementing and sustaining a quality program. However, the bottom line is the willingness of the physical education teachers to do their best no matter the situation. REAL teachers do what they can with what they have, no excuses. Our REAL Teacher’s Pledge states this clearly. And REAL teachers need our support. At the very least, letting them know that their efforts are appreciated. Better yet, support in the form of equipment (every jump-rope, pedometer, heart-rate monitor, and home-made scoop catcher counts), classroom assistance, and time and funding for professional development.
On our site we provide tools and resources to support REAL quality physical education teachers and programs. There are many factors that contribute to the ease of implementing and sustaining a quality program. However, the bottom line is the willingness of the physical education teachers to do their best no matter the situation. REAL teachers do what they can with what they have, no excuses. Our REAL Teacher’s Pledge states this clearly. And REAL teachers need our support. At the very least, letting them know that their efforts are appreciated. Better yet, support in the form of equipment (every jump-rope, pedometer, heart-rate monitor, and home-made scoop catcher counts), classroom assistance, and time and funding for professional development.
Obesity Trends Among in the United States
The Future Costs of Obesity: National and State Estimates of the Impact of Obesity on Direct Health Care Expenses (November 2009). United Health Foundation & the American Public Health Association and Partnership for Prevention.
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Top 15 Reasons for Quality Physical Education
Le Masurier, G., & Corbin, C. (2006). Top 10 Reasons for Quality Physical Education. JOPERD: The Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance, 77(6), 44-53.
| Corkran, M (2011, January 25). Top 10 Reasons to Keep
Physical Education Teachers/Specialists Teaching PE during Budget Deficits.
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***Advocate for physical education by posting these reasons in your school, gym, locker rooms, etc.***
See more reasons for quality physical education on our "Research on the Benefits of Quality Physical Education" webpage
The First Lady Introduces "Let's Move" | 1 Year Anniversary of "Let's Move"
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Effects of Physical Activity on the BrainOver the years research has shown that physical activity and exercise is "Miracle Gro for the brain" (Ratey, 2008). Exercise and physical activity relieves stress, improves mood, reduces incidences of depression, reduces anxiety, and best of all, in the school setting it helps children learn and improve overall academic achievement.
"Researchers are finding that exercise can not only keep you fit, but make you smarter. A school in Illinois has developed a program that gets students moving and learning. Debbye Turner Bell reports for CBS news." Read more or watch the video at: http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=4764808n#ixzz0wo0YQW3n
| CBS Video: Pumping Up the Brain.
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Using Activity in the Classroom
Schilling, DL., Washington, K., Billingsley, FF., & Deitz, J. (2003). Classroom Seating for Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Therapy Balls Versus Chairs. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 57(5), 534-541.
"The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of therapy balls as seating on in-seat behavior and legible word productivity of students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Additionally, social validity was assessed to evaluate teacher and student opinions regarding the intervention.
Results demonstrated increases in in-seat behavior and legible word productivity for the students with ADHD when seated on therapy balls. Social validity findings indicated that generally the teacher and students preferred therapy balls." | Kilbourne, J. (2009). Sharpening the Mind Through Movement: Using Exercise Balls as Chairs in a University Class. National Association for Kinesiology & Physical Education in Higher Education, 20(1), 10-15.
"The objective of this project was to explore the use of UltiFit Antiburst
Stability Balls (exercise balls) as seats for students in lecture classes at Grand Valley State University. The student’s responses to the questionnaires clearly demonstrated an excitement and enthusiasm for having the option to use an exercise ball for a seat in a lecture class.Responses to each question, from students’ ability to pay attention, take notes, engage in classroom discussions, and take exams, were all positive." |
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