Childhood obesity continues to be a growing concern in the United States. Over the past 30 years, rates of childhood obesity have nearly tripled. Nearly 18 percent of school-aged children are overweight, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Schools are often a line of defense in the war against childhood obesity. Physical education classes are designed with the goal and purpose of giving children the tools they need to lead an active and healthy lifestyle.
Wellness
Physical education programs serve as a guide for students to engage in a lifetime of healthy choices. Students learn the importance of physical activity and how to engage in appropriate exercise programs. Nutrition, safety and other wellness-enhancing materials are taught in order to get students to start thinking about their health and the importance of leading a healthy, active lifestyle.
Obesity Prevention
With over 95 percent of children enrolled in the public or private school systems, physical education classes are providing children with the fundamentals of exercise and nutrition. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, physical activity, nutrition and gym classes directly correlate with a child's academic performance. Physical education classes inform students of the risks associate with childhood obesity and provide children with a chance to be active during the day.
Skill Development
Physical education classes strive to help students develop motor, movement and rhythmic development, according to the West Virginia Department of Education. Students learn body awareness and spatial awareness. They also learn expression, creativity and rhythm. Students develop locomotor skills- including running, skipping, hopping, jumping, sliding and leaping. Students also develop non-locomotor skills -- including pushing, pulling, twisting, bending, stretching, turning, rising, reaching and falling. Additionally, students learn how to throw, kick, strike, roll and catch.
Social Development
Physical education provides more than just exercise for students. Students learn communication skills and how to work together as a team. They learn the characteristics of being a leader and how to be a good sport, win or lose. Learning respect for others is another important aspect of physical education. Students learn to congratulate each other and to shake hands at the end of an event.
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