By Pete Charrette
Participating in a high-quality PE program may provide numerous benefits for students, perhaps more than any other subject. Physical education is critical to our health, well-being, and overall development. Unfortunately, it is not always understood by everyone. The fact is that we, as educators, must be our students’ and others’ own strongest advocates. We must identify and promote the unique benefits of physical education to all members of our community.
- Encourages physical activity for life
Regular exercise and movement are required for optimum health in our lives. A physical education class is the ideal setting for instilling healthy habits and acquiring an understanding of one’s own fitness and mobility abilities. Daily physical education is an essential component of a complete educational program.
- Helps prevent sickness and disease
Regular exercise can not only improve your physical health, but it may also help you avoid illness and disease. Physical activity has been linked to a strengthened immune system, which makes us less likely to get sick. It also aids in the reduction of stress, improvement of mental health, weight management, and overall energy levels.
- Provides an outlet for creativity and self-expression
PE gives young people the opportunity to express themselves in a different way than they do in the classroom. They can let loose, have fun, and be creative without having to worry about grades or competition. PE is a great outlet for kids who may not be as academically inclined as their peers. It allows them to still feel like they’re part of the class and gives them a chance to show their personality.
- Develops cooperation and teamwork
Physical education helps students develop social skills and the ability to work cooperatively and effectively with others. In PE, students learn how to share, take turns, and cooperate with classmates to accomplish a common goal. These skills are essential for success in school and later on, in the workplace.
- Builds self-confidence
Physical education classes help to develop self-assurance and determination in children. It can help to boost confidence, as they see themselves achieving their goals and improving their abilities. A student’s confidence can be greatly enhanced if they improve their fitness level or acquire new movement skills.
- Provides opportunities for personal goal setting
One of the most outstanding features of PE is the opportunity it provides students to create individual goals and self-discipline. This could be anything from improving their fitness levels to learning a new sport or perfecting a particular skill set. Having something to aim for gives children a real sense of purpose and motivation in PE, which can carry over into other areas of their lives.
- Increases personal fitness and motor skill development
Physical education is a prime outlet for kids and adolescents to intentionally develop both their health and skill-related components of fitness. Students who participate in regular physical activity can get a lot out of their PE lessons. This is accomplished through repetition, practice, and creative movement situations. They may learn more about their bodies and how to use them appropriately in a variety of settings.
- Helps reduce stress and anxiety
PE can be the perfect outlet to reduce stress and anxiety for young people. When kids are allowed to be active and move their bodies at school, it becomes a natural body and mind energizer that makes the rest of the day far more enjoyable. Physical activity may help to improve mood and emotional stability. Regular physical exercise can also aid in the prevention of anxiety disorders. These anti-stress benefits, in the end, assist children and adolescents to become better students.
- Strengthens relationships with others
Physical education is not only about enhancing one’s physical capabilities and motor skills. It’s also about teaching individuals to collaborate and develop leadership skills. Students are frequently forced to work together as part of their PE lessons to complete assigned activities or objectives. PE can also help to build communication skills and teach students how to better manage conflict.
- Boosts academic learning
Numerous studies have shown that there is a strong link between physical activity and academic achievement. PE can improve concentration, attention, and memory, as well as reduce stress and fatigue. All of these factors can lead to improved grades and test scores. Physical activity can help to increase blood flow and oxygen to the brain, which can improve cognitive function. PE can also help to improve students’ executive functioning skills, such as planning, organizing, and multitasking.
Pete Charrette was a physical education specialist for over 30 years, teaching both Health and PE at all levels. In 2012, Pete began designing physical education, health and classroom movement resources, www.capnpetespowerpe.com.
