Physical Education: The Importance Of Physical Education

“All students not only need adequate movement but also a mental break from working in the classroom” (Klien). Physical education is very important to the development of children and has been in the US since the 1800’s. Physical Education programs became more popular in Europe and moved over to the U.S. during the 19th century (Millehan). As America began to move into a industrialized nation, people did less physical labor and it became necessary to have physical education programs in schools to keep a healthy society (Millehan). As physical education became more popular, people started to notice that physical education did not just improve physical but academic and mental skills in students as well. Academically, physical education can improve

Some children do not play sports after school so physical education could be the only time to play sports and be active for some students. Social skills for students can be benefited by physical education as well. Being in teams and cooperating with a team helps students by learning how to work with others. Physical education “provides more energy to participate in hobbies and interact with others” (Datko). As physical education has grown over the years, society has learned how it benefits students academically, physically, and socially. One of the ways physical education impacts students is academically. Physical education can improve students academic performance in many aspects. “A thirty minute session on the treadmill can help students improve their

A majority of playing sports is playing on teams. By playing on teams students can learn many social skills by having to work with others. “Children learn cooperation through group activities and form a positive sense of identity as apart of a team” (Datko). Physical education “helps children build a range of motor skills and assists in developing a good sense of body awareness” (Datko). Students learn to cooperate with others and be supportive to a team. Physical education also “builds confidence through achievements” (Datko). Physical education encourages students to have goals and to aim for them. Students learn how to commit to something and work for it. It also builds their confidence to socialize with others and “can help children sleep better and equip them with skills to better handle physical and emotional challenges in life” (Lawrence). Physical education gives children more energy for anything like socializing with others, after school activities, or even just the rest of the school day. “Learning important social skills such as showing good sportsmanship, encourages them to be happy for the success of their teammates” (Datko). Learning to be happy for someone else 's success can be difficult for children but by having physical education sports as a place to learn that can make it much easier. Physical education teaches