No, I’m not referring to “Tonight’s Special”
on a dinner menu. Specials at my kid’s school are classes outside of the usual classroom
instruction on math, English Language Arts, science, and social studies. Art,
Music, Library and Physical Education (PE) are considered “specials” because
they are… special. You get to leave the classroom and do something totally
different and fun. And there is a different Special each day of the week. Each
school day is defined by what Special our kids have on a given day. Music
Mondays. PE Tuesdays. Art Wednesdays.
Sadly, Specials are usually the first to
suffer amidst school budget cuts. They’re often seen as optional and do not
align with common learning standards. Library Thursdays at our school is down
to a 15-minute Special due to budget cuts.
Particularly alarming is how PE programs have
been decreasing around the country. In fact, only 4% of elementary, 8% of
middle, and 2% of high schools provide daily physical education or its
equivalent for the entire school year. PE is an essential part of a
well-rounded curriculum and we must do what we can to protect it. Here’s why:
Active kids learn better
Studies have shown that physical activity
improves academic performance. Not only do active children perform better in
school, they often behave better in the classroom. And better behavior and
increased focus will often result in better test scores.
Nurture the whole child
Not only do PE programs benefit kids’
physical health, but it also has a lasting impact on kids’ mental and emotional
health. Quality PE programs improve judgment, reduce stress, and increases
self-esteem.
For our kids health
We all need regular physical activity to keep
our bodies strong and healthy. And with the rise of childhood obesity, physical
activity is a crucial component in resolving this growing epidemic. I’m all
about cooking and eating healthy. But without regular exercise along with a
healthy diet, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity will
continue to plague our country.
Research shows that children need 60 minutes
of physical activity per day. And because kids spend a majority of their day at
school, schools play a critical role in helping them stay healthy. It’s no
wonder 95% of parents with children under the age of 18 think PE should be part
of the school curriculum for all students K-12.
So what can parents do to protect PE? First,
find out if your kids are getting enough PE and what your schools’ PE program
looks like. Then join the PE Action Team and stay
up-to-date on campaigns in support of PE and learn about ways to get involved.
Want to learn more about what you can do to
increase PE in your community? Check out Voices for Healthy Kids #ProtectPE campaign website for some great resources and tips on how to get started.
Lastly, ask your kids what’s their favorite Special.
Chances are PE is up there. Let’s do what we can to keep it that way.
