The Paideia Program-Part II-Ch.13 -Physical Education

Take a look around at the human population today and it will not take long to notice that physical education is something that we just do not do anymore. What is the reason for that? I do not know? However, I do know that the generation of children now have more things (more video games, computer games, etc.) that keep them inside, than my generation did, when I grew up as a kid. Physical education was something that I loved! And, the love for this began at school, playing kickball and basketball, everyday.
I do not know the facts for every state, or for every school, however, I do know that the amount of time that children have for physical education in school has dropped significantly, since I was in school. The amount of time spent in school every day is the same, so why the difference?

Dr. Adler writes of the importance of including physical education during all twelve years of basic schooling. He writes, "During the twelve years of basic schooling, physical training should have two purposes: (1) to develop the knowledge and habits requisite for the care of the body throughout life; and (2) to provide some physical relief from the taxing brain work of schooling" (Adler, 1984)(p.161). The second statement, I believe is the most important. With the amount of stress that the children are under for test scores, grades, etc., physical education has to be included in the daily regimen of classes. Dr. Adler mentions one of the best reasons why, "The mind works best in school or on the job if the body is exercised sometime during the day" (Adler, 1984)(p.161).

I am also in agreement with The Paideia Group, concerning their feelings about youth who pursue their career in sports in basic schooling. School is not a time to pursue sports, it is a time to focus on your schoolwork. Or, once again, Dr. Adler states it best, "Those students who wish to specialize in competitive sports should do so on their own time, in clubs that have no school affiliation" (Adler, 1984)(p.163).