Huffman Trucking

business paper

The importance of quality physical education in public schools

In the argument of quality education in public school, it is vital that children have playtime. “It is valuable for cognitive, physical, emotional and social skills learned during playtime.”(Kovar, P, 3) The obvious benefits to physical education are children’s health. Because of the rising number of overweight, obese, and morbidly obese kids and the consequently rising number of health risks involved with such a sedentary lifestyle, physical education is playing a larger part in today’s scholastic world. Physical education helps to develop healthy lifestyle and a fit body; this is why it is such a key subject that ensures each student is physically fit. With Physical Education made compulsory in all schools each student will learn different exercise skills. They will also know how to maintain a lifelong exercising habit and continue to lead a healthy lifestyle even after graduation from schools. Today, unfortunately, fewer and fewer students are experiencing quality physical education. Due to budget cuts, many states have drastically reduced or, in some cases, even dropped Phys Ed requirements for students. These children are at a high risk for diabetes, heart disease, and bone loss due to a sedentary lifestyle. “Daily recess periods composed of physical activity can counteract weight gain, promote muscular strength and endurance, increase motor coordination, and stimulate higher levels of self-esteem—all leading to healthier children”. (Kovar p, 373)

One argument that people have against Physical Education is that parents are responsible for children’s health, and it should not be the schools responsibility for children to exercise and be healthy. Studies have shown that parents are the first role models to children. Parents have the greatest influence over what a child eats, and how they exercise at home. “Parents are certainly the most important influence...