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Gym?  Who is Gym?  My name is not Gym!

The objective of the elementary Physical Education curriculum is to teach students the concepts of body, space, effort and relationships while promoting movement skill competence. Starting in Kindergarten, students are introduced to a variety of movement patterns, skills and concepts which gradually increase in complexity as they become older. Movement patterns, such as hopping, skipping and jumping are taught first as a basis for all other skills from which to build. Fundamental skills, such as throwing, catching and kicking are incorporated into the movements with an emphasis on correct form and repetition. Then, cognitive concepts of power, balance, agility, reaction time, strategy and tactics give way to conversations on how to apply the skills and movements learned. Students learn to enjoy being active and exploring what their own body can do.

Elementary Physical Education teaches students to become lifelong movers and to enjoy living a healthy and active lifestyle. They have a basic understanding of skills and concepts that will provide a positive transition to the Middle School Physical Education curriculum.

 

 

10 reasons why Physical Education is so important in schools

 

 

  1. Students who play sports are better able to concentrate and maintain focus, which has a positive impact on their academic life. This can lead to improved attainment in all other academic subjects.
  2. Regular exercise is vital in the fight against child obesity. We all know the many health problems that are associated with obesity and how important it is to lead a healthy, active lifestyle. Positive exercise habits that are implemented in childhood and adolescence will likely continue into adulthood.
  3. Students who exercise regularly have a better quality of sleep. They are therefore more alert at school and have higher levels of concentration.
  4. Physical exercise helps children relieve stress and anxiety. Young people today are arguably under more pressure than ever, so it is vital for them to have an outlet for this stress.
  5. Playing sports in groups help young people to improve their teamwork and leadership skills. It also helps to form stronger bonds between peers and promotes a healthy class dynamic.
  6. Physical activity promotes positive body image in teenagers, especially amongst women and girls. In this age of social media and societal pressure to look a certain way, this is of utmost importance.
  7. Sports teaches children to have improved self discipline. They can implement this self control in all aspects of their life, from better controlling their emotions to being more self motivated with their studies.
  8. PE helps children to develop their confidence. This can have a positive aspect on all areas of their life, such as their personal relationships and ability to integrate quickly and make friends, to thinking about their future goals.
  9. Sport helps children develop their motor skills and strengthen their muscles. When fine motor skills are developed, children will be more adept at handwriting or playing a musical instrument.
  10.  Children who play regular sports have improved behavior in school.