Adding Swimmimg to PE Shows More Than Physical Benefits

NPR podcast supports Phys Ed for Learning

An August 31st 2006 edition of NPR reports that research supports increase in physical activity strengthens academic success. You can listen to the entire radio broadcast by clicking here.

Tunnel Vision is Harmful

I was interested to see that in some cases physical activity helps academic achievement. However, from my viewpoint there are more important reasons to keep physical activity in all grade levels.

There is a history of depression and suicide in my family, so I have done much reading on the subject. Regarding physical activity, one thing is clear: it is instrumental in emotional well-being. Because of our increasingly competitive and stressful world, the importance of physical activity as a mental health "vitamin" trumps its importance to academics. This is especially important in the pre-teen and teen years when children's hormones are kicking in and peer pressure increases to fit in a certain category (jock, prep, goth, emo, gangsta, etc.). Exercise can be a route to peak mental health and, therefore, high self esteem. In that regard, it can also affect academics because who can perform well academically if he/she is feeling depressed? This is especially important for overweight or obese kids who already suffer from low self esteem and lack of physical activity. In fact, it could be that the reason some children perform better academically is that they feel better emotionally. Either way and from any perspective, it is important to incorporate non-competitive physical activity at all grade levels and to impress upon our youth that exercise is a life-long need which, once fulfilled, will help them in all aspects of their lives.

Podcast Video about Using Audacity

Cheryl has posted a video on how to use Audacity to create a podcast in her post, What Happens When You Don't Pass the GHSGT? I have viewed this video: it helped me to understand the Audacity application better and how we can use it to create video learning tools.

Co-Curricular Physical Activity and Sport Programs for Middle School Students

The National Middle School Association has published an article about interscholastic sports versus intramural sports activities in Middle School. Because of the developmental aspect of this age-group (11-14), highly competitive sports programs are not recommended. Instead, activities that offer opportunities for the physical participation of all students--not just the most athletic--are encouraged. In spite of the benefits of children being involved in sports, some experts warn against potential dangers. It all depends on the motivation of the program's leaders--whether or not they have the best interests of the students as their goal.
I agree that the sports program should first benefit the students and not be for the purpose of gaining recognition for the school. I think all students should be able to find an activity they can participate in and have fun, not just to compete. This is especially important in middle school, where students are developing at different rates.

The National Association for Sport and Physical Education's (NASPE) Middle and Secondary School Physical Education Council (MASSPEC) at www.aahperd.org/naspe, National Middle School Association (2008), retrieved from www.nmsa.org/AboutNMSA/PositionStatements/SportPrograms/tabid/292/Default.aspx 3/18/2008.

Weighty Matters

This is a great blog by a Canadian doctor. It addresses childhood obesity and nutrition in a humorous way, such as how many calories you can burn playing video games.

http://bmimedical.blogspot.com/

What Happens When You Don't Pass The GHSGT?: Learning Math Using the Pod Cast

What Happens When You Don't Pass The GHSGT?: Learning Math Using the Pod Cast

Increasing PE Time Associated With Improved Academic Performance

Richard Bailey in his study, Physical Education and Sports in Schools: A Review of Benefits and Outcomes concludes that "overall, the available research evidence suggests that increased levels of physical activity in school—such as through increasing the amount of time dedicated to PE—does not interfere with pupils’ achievement in other subjects (although the time available for these subjects is consequently reduced) and in many instances is associated with improved academic performance."



Bailey, Richard. (2006).Physical education and sport in schools: A review of benefits and outcomes. The Journal of School Health, 76,(8), 397 -401. Retrieved March 16, 2008, from EBSCOhost database from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=mnh&AN=16978162&site=ehost-live.

Study Shows Vigorous Activity Linked to Good Grades

The American College of Sports Medicine performed a study on 214 middle school students. The students were randomly assigned to a PE Course in the first or second semester. There was a marked improvement in grades among the most active students. The study recommended PE classes include at least 20 minutes of vigorous activity three times a week. The study's lead author said physical education and activity during the school day may reduce boredom and help keep kids attention in the classroom. The study included activities such as soccer, football, and basketball.

Academic Achievement Higher Among Most Active Kids - Vigorous Physical Activity Linked To Better Grades. American College of Sports Medicine: Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise. 10 August 2006: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins. 14 March 2008 <http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/49250.php>

Georgia's Resolution for Fitness

The Georgia General Assembly (2003) has recommended that schools provide 30 minutes of physical activity a day for children in grades K-8. The rationale behind this recommendation is that children who are unfit face health and psychological problems that could cause "an enormous financial burden on Georgia as significant medical and financial resources are expended in treating overweight youth and adults."

Reps. Buckner and Harbin. House Resolution 968. Georgia General Assembly 2003-2004,
retrieved 3/13/2008 http://www.legis.state.ga.us/legis/2003_04/fulltext/hr968.htm

PE4Life

Newsweek reporter Susan Brink (2006) expressed it well when she said, "PE4life is for any kid who has been picked last, consigned to right field, or left dangling half-way up the climbing rope. The idea is to get away from the jock culture—the fastest, strongest, and most athletic—and instead start all kids on the road to lifelong fitness."
The Titusville School District considered children's health important enough to invest $30,000 in the middle school PE program. This initial funding allowed the program to finance equipment for a new Wellness Center.

Please read this NMSA article about physical fitness in middle school.

McCord, T. and Rhonda Wagonseller (2006 August). PE4Life gets kids moving every day. Middle Ground: The magazine of middle level education, 10, Retrieved 3/13/2008, from http://www.nmsa.org/Publications/MiddleGround/Articles/August2006/Article18/tabid/845/Default.aspx

Georgia Adults 14th Most Obese in Country; Youth 12th Most Overweight

"There has been a breakthrough in terms of drawing attention to the obesity epidemic. Now, we need a breakthrough in terms of policies and results," said Jeff Levi, PhD, Executive Director of TFAH. "Poor nutrition and physical inactivity are robbing America of our health and productivity."


Retrieved on 3/13/08. View full report http://healthyamericans.org/reports/obesity2007/release.php?StateID=GA

GA Wants to Mandate Obesity Testing in Schools

While physical education is important and imperative in schools to help kids maintain healthy minds and bodies, GA may be taking it a step too far by mandating obesity testing.

Read this article in the Gainesville Times: http://www.gainesvilletimes.com/news/article/3953/

Mandatory P.E.

"It is imperative for our students to understand that learning takes many forms and along with the academic we must also teach the benefits of physical well-being" (Barbour, 2006).

I wholeheartedly agree with Gov. Barbour. There are many things to learn and learning takes many forms. Real learning occurs in different contexts and affects different venues--mental, emotional, social, and physical. In fact, real learning must take place in all these areas to be lasting and effective.
Physical Education involves children in mental, emotional, and social learning, as well as physical. Planning game strategies, enjoying the activity, interacting with teammates, learning good sportsmanship, and feeling good about oneself are all important areas of learning that are involved in Physical Education.

Barbour, Haley (2006). Mississippi governor calls for mandatory P.E. in grades K-8. The Clarion Ledger 10/3/2006. The District Administration, retrieved 3/12/2008 http://www.districtadministration.com/newssummary.aspx?news=yes&postid=17358

Wellness Workshop Project

Stacy Andell (2008) has written an informative article about the beginning of the "Wellness" Workshops program in the Atlanta school system. The goal of this project is to address students' overall health through nutrition and exercise workshops and activities. Several highly-qualified speakers were present, including Dr. Yvonne Butler (2005), author of Healthy Kids, Smart Kids, and Olympic ahtlete Gail Severs. The Wings of Eagles dance troupe performed, showing students the benefit of being healthy and energetic. This is a great way to focus attention on the connection between physical well-being and better learning in school.

Andell, Stacy (2008). Atlanta Schools "Wellness" Workshops Project, retrieved 3/13/2008 http://www.buzzle.com/articles/atlanta-schools-wellness-workshops-project.html