Teachers Focus on Solo P.E. Activities

RICHARDSON, Texas – With music pumping in the background, the kids in Terry Wade’s physical education class are in constant motion, going from sit-ups to jumping jacks to curls with light weights.

After their 45-minute session, the sixth-graders who are sweating the most, or as Wade calls it, "burning butter," get stickers.

"My main goal and emphasis is getting these kids up and moving," said Ms. Wade, who teaches at Northrich Elementary in suburban Dallas. "It’s ‘Can this kid do this for a lifetime?’ I don’t care how good they are. I care if they’re having fun."

Instead of team sports, Ms. Wade and other physical education teachers across the country are focusing more on individual activities that students can incorporate into their lives.

Experts say the shift also helps gym teachers include children who are struggling with their weight. With individual activities, overweight students can work at their own pace. And they can take part in lower impact activities.

Gym teachers also are placing a greater emphasis on general health and nutrition, said Craig Buschner, the president of the National Association for Sport and Physical Education.

He added that the obesity epidemic has helped educators make a case that students need more physical education time.

Originally published by Associated Press.

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