With obesity on the rise, we often see many programs dedicated to combating childhood obesity. Michelle Obama has an initiative “Let’s Move!” designed to create a healthier generation of kids (http://www.letsmove.gov/). A poll taken by Harvard University in 2013 found that almost 7 in 10 parents reported their child’s elementary school did not provide physical education (Datz, 2013). According to Copple and Bredekamp, physical development and education is just as important in the primary grades as it is during the first five years of life (2009).
For my research, I decided to reach out to a physical education teacher in Atlanta, Georgia. Coach D. has been in physical education for 13 years. I was pleased to hear that he had worked in elementary schools for thirteen years, as I know physical education has been pulled at times from many programs. When I first began teaching in 2008, the elementary school I was employed at did not have P.E. We did get a program in 2010, but it was only for third through fifth graders. The school I work at now, requires fifteen minutes of recess each day, as well as physical education classes forty-five minutes each week for all grade levels.
Coach D. gave me insight into the physical education programs he has worked in. He said from his own observations, he has noticed that children’s coordination and endurance seems to have decreased. Even though he did not keep research throughout the years, he said he could tell many students tire more easily. He also said he knew the physical education time he had with children was worthwhile and beneficial. He recounted the happiness students got from coming to P.E. and being able to use their energy in a productive and systematic manner.
My questions for others:
If you work in an elementary school or childcare facility, how much time is dedicated to physical education and development?
If there is P.E. or recess time, is that time protected?
Do you personally see the benefits of a physical education program?
Coach D. can be reached at [email protected] for further questions.
Copple, C., & Bredekamp, S. (Eds). (2009). Developmentally appropriate practice in early childhood program: Serving children from birth through age 8 (3rd ed.). Washington, DC: National Association for the Education of Young Children.
Datz, T. (2013). Poll finds lack of physical education in public schools a concern of parents.
Retrieved from: http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/press-releases/lack-of-physical-education-in-schools-concerns-parents/.
For my research, I decided to reach out to a physical education teacher in Atlanta, Georgia. Coach D. has been in physical education for 13 years. I was pleased to hear that he had worked in elementary schools for thirteen years, as I know physical education has been pulled at times from many programs. When I first began teaching in 2008, the elementary school I was employed at did not have P.E. We did get a program in 2010, but it was only for third through fifth graders. The school I work at now, requires fifteen minutes of recess each day, as well as physical education classes forty-five minutes each week for all grade levels.
Coach D. gave me insight into the physical education programs he has worked in. He said from his own observations, he has noticed that children’s coordination and endurance seems to have decreased. Even though he did not keep research throughout the years, he said he could tell many students tire more easily. He also said he knew the physical education time he had with children was worthwhile and beneficial. He recounted the happiness students got from coming to P.E. and being able to use their energy in a productive and systematic manner.
My questions for others:
If you work in an elementary school or childcare facility, how much time is dedicated to physical education and development?
If there is P.E. or recess time, is that time protected?
Do you personally see the benefits of a physical education program?
Coach D. can be reached at [email protected] for further questions.
Copple, C., & Bredekamp, S. (Eds). (2009). Developmentally appropriate practice in early childhood program: Serving children from birth through age 8 (3rd ed.). Washington, DC: National Association for the Education of Young Children.
Datz, T. (2013). Poll finds lack of physical education in public schools a concern of parents.
Retrieved from: http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/press-releases/lack-of-physical-education-in-schools-concerns-parents/.