Game Changers

I read Game Changers which was an article that appeared in the Fall 2011 edition of Teaching Tolerance. In this article, it discusses the need to continue to make PE inclusive for all students. The article places emphasis and importance on teaching health, diet, and fitness ideas to help students see the physical, social, and emotional benefits of physical activity. Some people believe that such programs have not been a place for all students as they could be intimidating for students who are not physically fit or in shape and perhaps placed too much emphasis on competition. The article mentions that the new PE approach is "passionate about helping all kids discover the physical, social and emotional benefits - as well as pleasures - of physical activity." With this said the new approach places emphasis on health and overall fitness compared to competitive sports. Some students may only experience activity in their PE class and it is important that they discover the skills, knowledge, and the importance of being active.

I agree with helping students understand the importance of being physically active as it leads to an overall better health. But what about those students who have a negative mindset and have no desire to do something about their health? From my understanding, I feel these types of programs are all already being used. I grew up with PE teachers that took balls out and allowed students to play what they wanted to while some students just sat on the sidelines. PE has definitely changed in the past few years and now seems to place importance on giving students skills and knowledge to be more active throughout their life.

The article also goes on to discuss the idea of benefits vs. budgets. The author seems to mention that the problems of not informing students of healthier choices have a direct link to our children's health. In the past 30 years, childhood obesity rates have tripled and now almost 1/3 of children across the nation could be considered to be obese or overweight. Wow, I find that to be an alarming statistic! I would agree that we need to continue to do a better job of educating our youth about physical activity and better health choices, but parents need to play a role in that as well. I think it is a great start to help children make those decisions that will affect their health but what could we do to help parents? Often times fast food is the quicker and cheaper way.  

Some of these PE classes are in risk of being cut due to budget decreases for districts. In addition with No Child Left Behind, many districts have placed emphasis on the core subjects and are beginning to cut PE and the arts. The author urges both teachers and coaches to apply for grants in order to continue their programs but also improve them.
I know PE times and recess times have been affected for districts in the past few years, are there schools you know of that have cut PE? Do your PE teachers also incorporate health and wellness ideas into the course? I know our PE teacher at the K-2 level places emphasis on team work, being active, but also making it fun! I always enjoyed PE as I am into sports and enjoy competition. It doesn't take much to keep me occupied if I have some sort of ball in my hands. How do others feel about PE programs in your schools?

http://www.tolerance.org/magazine/number-40-fall-2011/game-changers