Tag Archives: physical education

Health at School: Dreading Gym Class

Call it gym class or P.E. or phys ed — the words usually bring up a lot of memories for adults. You may recall moments of triumph or moments of embarrassment or moments of pain. Physical education is often an unpleasant part of the school day — especially for kids who aren’t athletic. So how do you help your kids get through the physical side of education? Remember that the most important part of gym class is the physical part — an opportunity to get up and get moving on a regular basis. Helping kids find the sports they love … Continue reading →

Is Gym Class Too Dangerous?

Forget about those reports that hail gym class as a savior in the war against childhood obesity. According to a new study, injuries to American children enrolled in school physical education classes increased by 150 percent from 1997-2007. Interestingly, the reason for the dramatically high number of injuries is not due to schools instituting vigorous exercise regimes; rather the study claims lack of adult supervision is to blame. The study’s lead author notes that lively gym programs are commendable; however, a decline in school nurses and larger class sizes have the potential to negate benefits gained through rigorous P.E. classes. … Continue reading →

Does School-Based Fitness Fade Over the Summer?

I’ve made my feelings known on the P.E. requirements at schools and how I think they need to be higher. I’ve also made it clear that it’s just as much a parent’s responsibility, if not more, than a school’s to see that their child’s fitness needs are met. Even if you can’t afford to send them to classes, there are a number of free offerings available over the summer from community centers and more – and taking your kids out for walks and bike rides doesn’t cost you much more than some time. So when studies find that school based … Continue reading →

Meeting Health Ed Requirements

In my blog entitled Meeting P.E. Requirements for the Homeschool Portfolio and two articles that followed, I talked primarily about the physical aspects of Physical Education, and how a homeschooler might meet those requirements. I did not however mention, as one commenter pointed out, any aspects of health education. This was an oversight… sort of. You see, I do not see sex education and overall health as a function of education, but a function of parenting. In addition, many of these subjects are also covered in science. These things are not only taught through dinner table conversation, but also through … Continue reading →

Meeting P.E. Requirements for the Homeschool Portfolio

In my last post, I talked about the absence, of physical education requirements for most homeschoolers. I also mentioned, that just because many states do not expressly require proof of physical fitness, it does not mean that you can neglect it. Depending on the college your child chooses, you may find the need to demonstrate that your child has fulfilled P.E. requirements. Here is a list of things you can do pack the homeschool portfolio with proof of Physical Education. Certificates and awards: Your child can prove that he or she has not only participated, but also excelled in Physical … Continue reading →

What About P.E. Requirements?

Heather asked me a very good question today. She asked, “What are the P.E requirements for a homeschoolers and how do you meet them? “P.E. requirements?” I thought. “What P.E. requirements?” You see while I do take steps to be sure my children are physically fit, and well rounded I have never seen any P.E. requirements on my homeschooler must-do list. If you look at Valorie Delp’s post on Georgia Homeschool Requirements, you will find that the only thing homeschoolers are required to teach their children in my state are reading, language arts, math, social studies, and science. While I … Continue reading →

Dancing at Public School Not Just About Prom Anymore

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Michele should enjoy the following, since she’s from Hawaii. We’ve talked about Dance Dance Revolution here in the Fitness blog before. We’ve talked about the problems with not having enough physical education time in the schools. Today, I get to talk about both these subjects as Dance, Dance Revolution is about to become a part of public school physical education classes in Hawaii. Taking the Initiative The initiative is a part of the Hawaiian Department of Education’s emphasis on lifetime physical fitness over the more typical team sports. A verbal agreement was reached with Konami, the maker of Dance, Dance … Continue reading →

Toughen Up P.E. Requirements

We’ve talked about the fact that just going to a physical education class in school isn’t enough as far as a child’s physical activity level is concerned. That they need more activity in their day from team sports to dancing to gymnastics and more. However, that does not mean P.E. classes need to be eliminated – instead the demands and rigors of the class need to be toughened. Why Do the P.E. Requirements need to be toughened? Just thinking back to my own days in a P.E. class, half the time was spent standing around and waiting for a turn … Continue reading →

The Questions Continue Part 1: We love Art, Music and P.E.

Kaye and I have been publicly discussing our views of home schooling vs. schooling out of the home (as homeschoolers would call it). Kaye’s last blog has asked so many questions that I have decided to answer them in three blogs instead of just one! The first question Kaye poses has to do with physical education. If I may, I’m going to expand upon her question, and answer what a home schooling family can do to satisfy requirements (if there are any) regarding art education, music education as well as physical education. I hope that if there are any of … Continue reading →