Focusing on Fitness in the Physical Education Curriculum
By: Betty Kern
It’s all around us. The news is everywhere that our children are overweight, out of shape, and at risk for disease. Obese, overweight, and inactive are words used to describe our youth. Teachers agree students cannot “keep up” with the students of the past physically.
What can we do? How can the tide be turned on this epidemic plaguing our youth? The issue is complex and opinions are many. However, simple, back-to-the-basics strategies can impact this generation. Students who do not participate in a school or recreational sports are inactive after school and on weekends. Therefore, physical educators and administrators must provide opportunities for students to be active before, after, and during school.
The challenge is that physical education programs have been cut or eliminated to save money or provide additional seat time for core subjects. As a result, physical educators must view their class time as possibly the only time that students will be physically active. What is the best use of this time? What activities have the most impact?
Exposing students to a variety of fun fitness activities will provide opportunities for them to find an activity they enjoy. Focusing on fitness will help students improve their fitness level, health, academics, and well-being. Think outside of the box to create fitness activities that motivate every one to participate and have fun. Fostering a love for movement should be our goal.
What are some fun fitness activities? How about a “Boot Camp” month? Find some old tires, hurdles, ladders, rings, buckets, obstacles, bags, steps, boxes, etc. Set up an obstacle course that builds each week to continue challenging students. Create an environment that encourages even the most hesitant student to try. It is amazing what you can create.
It is exciting to watch students accomplish physical feats once thought impossible. This is what builds self-confidence, self-esteem and motivation. How about a “Winter Wonderland” with skating (on washcloths), sled races (scooters), racing to fill stockings, and a snowball fight (using extremely soft balls…of course). How about yoga or kickboxing? How about a distance or push-up challenge that rewards students who exercise at home? What about an after-school running or fitness club?
Recently, a school employee asked, “Why are you doing all this “stuff” in “gym” class. Why are you teaching fitness concepts and healthy eating strategies and having clubs?” I replied, “To help kids get fit, have fun, and enjoy physical activity.” His reply saddened me: “Really, what difference can you make? You’re just one positive voice among a culture of negative influence.”
Every day, I see the difference when a student is eating healthier cereal instead of a sugary one; a once inactive boy practices jump rope, push-ups, and the Cupid Shuffle at home and wants to lead in class; a 4th-grade girl with high blood pressure and low self-esteem loved the Boot Camp exercises and joined fitness club; a special needs boy who hates exercise worked up a sweat during the “snowball fight;” students quit drinking energy drinks; kids leave the gym hot, sweaty, and smiling! There are 530 reasons at school to be one positive voice. How many are at yours? Be an example of healthy living, learn new fitness activities, challenge students in a positive, accepting environment, and teach how to live a healthy life. Never underestimate your impact. Together, we can make a difference.
Betty Kern, MS, CSCS developed the PE Fit Programs, runs the PE Fit Company, and teaches Physical Education at Schrop Intermediate School in Akron, Ohio.
