Elementary Physical Education

The Importance Of Elementary Physical Education  

These days more than ever before, elementary physical education is playing an essential role in the lives of children. Why do I say that? The diet of the population in general has worsened over the years, with far too much sugar (in sodas and pops, as well as desserts) consumed by adults and children, as well as too many fats in fast food. Fresh fruit is not eaten by every one, and I think we all agree that the basic food groups are not eaten regularly by everyone. This means that it falls in the hands of elementary physical education teachers to try to help students by encouraging a healthy lifestyle, one of activity and movement, to trying to counteract the effects of a poor diet.

Children love to move and wriggle. They get restless if they are sat at a desk all day, so elementary school teachers can easily encourage movement during the school day. Now I know the pressure is on to cover so much in terms of the curriculum, but physical education plays an integral role in the school day. All children should be encouraged to incorporate movement into their day, whether it be through sports or dance, and a teachers attitude to this movement is important. Children are very impressionable, and they should be taught that they can enjoy many styles of music and dance, and to be tolerant of other nationalities and their music and dance. When children learn to accept others and their upbringing at an early age, it can only lead to good.

Physical education can be a great subject to teach. It can be connected with other topics, and it is very important that children's attitudes to P.E. are positive. If they are encouraged to be active in their lives, it is likely to continue as they get older, and this can only be good for their health. It is the job of elementary physical education teachers to teach the basics correctly, so the correct ways to role, how to balance, how to kick a ball, how to throw a ball with one hand, or a bigger ball with two hands.

Coordination needs to be encouraged, and things like skipping practice can help. Rhythm and dance is important, and if children are encouraged at an early age, this is something they are more likely to continue with in later life. Again, it is important to teach the basics of movement early on, sot that the children are not embarrassed to be seen dancing. Unfortunately, many teens are, and they are missing out on what could be a pleasurable experience.

So, elementary physical education, when taught with enthusiasm, and encouragement, can lead to a healthy life where movement and activity plays an important role. As the older generation of nations with poorer diet than previously, we need to encourage this movement as much as possible, for all children, not just a few. This way, children will grow to enjoy movement and are more likely to continue with activities in their adult life.