Writer's Block: Sweat it out

[samatethecookie]

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Yes. Physical education is extremely important, especially in today's times where kids can't really play outside like they used to. If a family isn't fortunate enough to pay mind to nutrition in their household, gym classes can provide opportunities for kids to stay in shape and remain healthy. Also, I imagine a lot of kids need to burn their energy someplace; sitting in a classroom all day without activity or recess can't be good for anyone. I believe it's just as awful of an idea to remove gym classes from a school curriculum as it is to remove art classes or music programs. It's a bad idea.

On the other hand, physical education was never a pleasant experience for me. Gym classes always seem to be an excuse for kids to pick on each other, especially if you're playing a game like dodgeball. It got better in high school, but it was so boring. Physical education isn't necessarily going to be a fun class for you if you're not interested in sports, and that seems to be all anyone ever wants to do in those classes. :/

So...yes, I do think it should be mandatory, but I also think schools should make sure gym class is a fun time for everyone.

Comments

[daisy-the-mage1.livejournal.com]

I was no good at most P.E classes either (well, I was pretty awful at most sports involving a ball and the worst tennis player in my class but I didn't do so badly in classes like aerobics, trampolining and dancing). Still, I wished that classes were held more than twice a week.

[shidoikarji26.livejournal.com]

The pupose of it is not to get a six pack, or a beach body, but to start good excersize habits so they can carry over into adolesnce and adulthood. Keeping themselves active. Another thing. Playing sports is fun, but it shouldn't just focus on the competitive aspect. That's why everyone becomes disinterested too quickly.

[samatethecookie.livejournal.com]

A good point. My brother's trained in martial arts so I do understand the importance of exercise habits. A lot of kids don't get that opportunity.

Playing sports is fun, but it shouldn't just focus on the competitive aspect.

I think that's why I never liked playing sports in PE, especially where a lot of kids are open for ridicule if they can't keep up with their peers.

It depends on your class, too, and how much control a teacher has over the activities. Personally I always hated games like dodgeball because it suddenly turned into an opportunity for assholes to specifically aim for kids they don't like. It's worst when a teacher can't recognize the peer pressure.

[samatethecookie.livejournal.com]

We didn't have PE classes that often either. I don't remember many times we went to class per week, but my sister only had two PE classes a week at her grade school. In her high school she's supposed to have PE classes every day. But she goes to a private school so who knows what public schools around the city do with their curriculum.