Today, students have entertainment available at their fingertips. The internet, smartphones, laptops, gaming consoles – all provide fun times without children ever having to even go outside or get out of bed. That, coupled with excess junk food, is causing a steady increase in obesity and other health problems in young students. Physical exercise not only combats weight gain, but it also helps in overall physical development of children especially in a growing age. Furthermore, physical activity has numerous benefits even for the child’s mental and emotional well being.
This is why schools, i are always on a lookout to increase physical activity for their students. Here are a few ways in which schools can improve physical education easily:
Make it fun
Most children can be reluctant to participate in physical education when they see it as a chore. Most P.E. drills can be quite boring for children and thus reduce their general interest in physical activities. Schools must strive to make it as much fun as possible, to get students participative and enthusiastic. Team or individual sports are a great way to get them interested in exercise. Furthermore, other fun playground games, friendly competitions and creative physical activities can transform P.E. from a boring compulsion to a fun, memorable period that students actually look forward to.
Get the resources
In order to make physical education more enjoyable for students, schools and teachers should try to invest in the right resources. A large, well maintained playground is a great asset. Activity areas or a park, sporting equipment, exercise equipment, special areas for dance or yoga, etc. can all help make physical education a more integral part of the curriculum.
For example, Vidyanchal School, primary school in aundh, Pune has focused on physical education with academic in school. Amenities like a Basketball court, a football field and other facilities are available in the school to encourage students in sports.
Imbibe enthusiasm and inclusiveness
The culture of wellbeing starts within the classroom itself. Teachers should try and imbibe in their students a love for fitness and an enthusiasm for physical activities. P.E. should be presented as a fun break from the mundane academic classes, and must be something that students are enthusiastic about. Furthermore, teachers should try and understand what the children of the class like or dislike, so that a physical education course can be designed according to the interests of the whole class, thus making everyone feel welcomed and included.
Let students lead
When students are asked to take charge of any event or activity, they usually get more involved in it and are much more motivated and enthusiastic to participate. This is why schools in pune should involve students in actively creating a physical education curriculum. Students can get to choose which sports or activities they get to participate in and how the class goes about P.E. This will not only help align the curriculum with their needs and interests, but will automatically get them motivated and enthusiastic.
Get parents involved
Children pick up a lot of attitudes and opinions from their parents. If one’s parents are motivated to be fit and healthy, then children automatically follow suit and are more likely to participate in physical education. Furthermore, if children lead a physically active life outside of school, then they will want the same in school as well. Therefore, schools must involve parents in encouraging physical fitness in students. Parents should be requested to provide support and motivation to students at home and to set an example by being interested in physical activities themselves.