Education In Physical Education

Ken Robinson, one of Time/Fortune/CNN’s ‘Principal Voices’ states, “The arts, sciences, humanities, physical education, languages, and maths all have equal and central contributions to make to a student's education” (“About Sir Ken Robinson”; Robinson and Aronica 247). While the main focus of a student’s education will often remain academics, physical education and the athleticism of a student plays a crucial role in the education of the student as a whole. Unfortunately, while research supports and advocates the significance of movement combined with educational experiences, many educational institutions do not require children to participate in physical education. Physical education, “instruction in the development and care of the body,”

The athletic programs in schools solely provide children with different ways to learn motor skills, develop fitness skills, and gain knowledge about physical activity. The physical benefits acquired from establishing a pattern of physical activity in a child’s life include “lowered risk for heart disease, diabetes mellitus, osteoporosis, high blood pressure, obesity, and metabolic syndrome; [improvement of] various other aspects of health and fitness, including aerobic capacity, muscle and bone strength, flexibility, insulin sensitivity, and lipid profiles; and a [reduction] of stress, anxiety, and depression” (Kohl and Cook). In a standard United States physical education program, students learn about the health benefits obtained from participating in physically active activities, as well as the importance of continuing these practices throughout life. In elementary school, the athletics program emphasizes the development of fundamental locomotor, non-locomotor, and artful skills through dance, gymnastics, and games. The motor skill basis established during elementary years can increase children’s social, cognitive, and physical development, and could also increase the individual’s interest in physical activities later on in life. Subsequently, in middle school, the physical activities taught in elementary school are usually refined, combined, and applied to

According to a study performed on the effects of physical activity on cognitive function, “Physical activity enhances memory and learning, promotes neurogenesis and protects the nervous system from injury and neurodegenerative disease” (Ploughman). The cognitive benefits of physical education are acquirable in many different modalities. Because children learn through a diversity of modalities (e.g., tactile, physical, visual), it becomes essential to choose the modality that fits the child best. Although the modalities are diverse, many children benefit from academic lessons accompanied with a physical aspect during the lesson. Therefore, by adding physical education to a child’s everyday lesson plan, the child could improve brain function and add depth to their learning. John F. Kennedy once said, "Intelligence and skill can only function at the peak of their capacity when the body is healthy and strong” (NDSHAPE). Research has demonstrated that children engaged in daily athletic activities show incredible motor fitness, academic performance, and attitude towards school versus their classmates (Kohl and Cook). In research conducted by the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention), 11 out of 14 research conductors found “one or more positive associations between physical education and indicators of cognitive skills and attitudes, academic behavior, and/or academic achievement” (Rasberry, et