IMPORTANCE OF HEALTH AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Health and Physical Education is an integral component to an overall effective education. Study after study has shown that students who are regularly engaged in physical activity perform better academically, are more focused and concentrated on their work, and have higher levels of energy to put towards their academic pursuits and interests. Physical activity also helps to keep weight down and improve the mood of students. Part of our job as educators is to give students skills to be successful in life. Part of that success stems from healthy living and balanced lifestyles, which are strongly promoted through a health and physical education program. Many unwanted behaviours are even said to be minimized through concentrated physical activity.
The flip side to the argument for strong health and physical education programs states that time in the school day is limited and students should have that time focused on 'more important' skills, such as literacy and mathematics. However, without physical education, our students' minds are not as sharp as they can be and time may be wasted re-teaching concepts over and over that could be taught in a much shorter time frame to a more focus mind.
The flip side to the argument for strong health and physical education programs states that time in the school day is limited and students should have that time focused on 'more important' skills, such as literacy and mathematics. However, without physical education, our students' minds are not as sharp as they can be and time may be wasted re-teaching concepts over and over that could be taught in a much shorter time frame to a more focus mind.
The discussion of the importance of physical education on academic performance can be demonstrated through the following video. In this clip, both sides of the argument are discussed: physical activity is integral to create focused students and time spent on physical education is better spent developing traditional academic skills.
Components of an Effective HPE Program
"1. Motivates students and instills responsible risk taking.
2. Based on the belief that all students can be successful and that learning in HPE is critical.
3. Based on diagnostic assessment of prior knowledge and skills
4. Provides appropriate level of challenge
5. Balance of both direct instruction and inquiry based instruction
6. Encourages higher-order thinking, critical and creative thinking
7. Includes participatory exploration and hands on activities
8. Provides wide range of activities
9. Includes developmentally appropriate activities"
(Taken from: EU423 Health and Physical Education Methods, J. Mueller, 2013)
"1. Motivates students and instills responsible risk taking.
2. Based on the belief that all students can be successful and that learning in HPE is critical.
3. Based on diagnostic assessment of prior knowledge and skills
4. Provides appropriate level of challenge
5. Balance of both direct instruction and inquiry based instruction
6. Encourages higher-order thinking, critical and creative thinking
7. Includes participatory exploration and hands on activities
8. Provides wide range of activities
9. Includes developmentally appropriate activities"
(Taken from: EU423 Health and Physical Education Methods, J. Mueller, 2013)
Resources and Research
Physical and Health Education Canada: Affect on Academic Performance
http://www.phecanada.ca/academic-performance
District School Board of Niagara: Why Physical Education is Important
http://www.dsbn.edu.on.ca/supportservices/Curriculum/Health/default.html
National Association for Sport and Physical Education: The Importance of PE
http://www.aahperd.org/naspe/publications/teachingTools/whyPE.cfm