Why Is Physical Education Important? 10 Powerful Reasons We Need PE In Our Schools Today

According to the CDC, children 6 to 17 years old should do 60 minutes or more of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity every day. The tragic reality is that less than 25% of kids follow those guidelines. Many children are extremely inactive and do not participate in any extracurricular activities. What would happen if our students were no longer granted access to quality physical education?

Participating in a high-quality PE program may provide numerous benefits for both middle and high school students, perhaps more than any other subject. Physical education is critical to our health, well-being, and overall development. Unfortunately, it is not always understood by everyone. The fact is that we, as educators, must be our students’ and others’ own strongest advocates. We must identify and promote the unique benefits of physical education to all members of our community. Here are ten of the many reasons why physical education is so important:

Physical Education...

1. Encourages physical activity for life

Regular exercise and movement are required for optimum health in our lives. A physical education class is the ideal setting for instilling healthy habits and acquiring an understanding of one's own fitness and mobility abilities. Daily physical education is an essential component of a complete educational program. It encourages children to be physically active and develop the abilities and confidence they need to be active throughout their lives, which is beneficial for them both physically and emotionally.

Keeping active for life as a result of a quality PE program directly correlates with Shape America's Standard 4: Develops personal skills, identifies personal benefits of movement, and chooses to engage in physical activity.

Rationale: Through learning experiences in physical education, the student develops an understanding of how movement is personally beneficial and subsequently chooses to participate in physical activities that are personally meaningful (e.g., activities that offer social interaction, cultural connection, exploration, choice, self-expression, appropriate levels of challenge, and added health benefits). A student's personal development can be acquired early and maintained for a lifetime.

SHAPE America Standard 5- Physically active for life.

For in-depth exploration of the physiological changes that occur during exercise, check out my article:

What Happens to My Body When I Exercise? A Physical Educator's Guide.

2. Helps prevent sickness and disease

Regular exercise can not only improve your physical health, but it may also help you avoid illness and disease. Physical activity has been linked to a strengthened immune system, which makes us less likely to get sick. It also aids in the reduction of stress, improvement of mental health, weight management, and overall energy levels. And since PE classes are a great way to get people moving, they can play a big role in keeping our students healthy.

Additionally, regular physical education helps manage chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease. By incorporating cardiovascular activities, PE classes improve students' physical stamina and promote a higher quality of life. These healthy habits, formed during formative years, often extend into adulthood, offering lifelong health benefits and aiding in disease prevention. Thus, maintaining physical education in school is crucial for cultivating a healthier future generation.

Check out the following article on my blog to see 8 health habits students can develop now that will instill lifetime benefits: Healthy Habits for Students: Teaching SELF CARE for Lifelong Wellness .

3. Provides an outlet for creativity and self-expression

PE gives young people the opportunity to express themselves in a different way than they do in the classroom. They can let loose, have fun, and be creative without having to worry about grades or competition. PE is a great outlet for kids who may not be as academically inclined as their peers. It allows them to still feel like they're part of the class and gives them a chance to show their personality.

Physical education also provides an outlet for kids who are shy or introverted. It's a great way for them to get out of their shell and interact with other kids in a non-threatening environment. It may be a wonderful opportunity for kids to have some fun, discover their talents, and just be themselves.

Do you need some great ideas for engaging students with physical education stations? Check out this article: PE Stations: 15 Fun Ideas for Active Engagement in Elementary Physical Education Classes.

4. Develops cooperation and teamwork

Physical education helps students develop social skills and the ability to work cooperatively and effectively with others. In PE, students learn how to share, take turns, and cooperate with classmates to accomplish a common goal. These skills are essential for success in school and later on, in the workplace. It can also help a student develop teamwork skills by teaching them how to communicate effectively, set goals, and problem-solve as a team. These skills are essential for success in any endeavor.

Developing a cooperative, collaborative attitude is crucial for meeting Shape America's Standard 3: Develops social skills through movement.

Rationale: Through learning experiences in physical education, students develop the social skills necessary to exhibit empathy and respect for others and foster and maintain relationships. In addition, students develop skills for communication, leadership, cultural awareness, and conflict resolution in a variety of physical activity settings. The capacity to respect oneself and others may be extended to all aspects of a child's or adolescent's life.

Physical Education helps students develop cooperation and teamwork skills

Great character makes cooperative and team-oriented students. Check out this article that delves into the world of character education within the physical education setting:

Cultivating Positive Character Traits for Students in Physical Education: Shaping Tomorrow's Leaders.

5. Builds self-confidence

Physical education classes help to develop self-assurance and determination in children. It can help to boost confidence, as they see themselves achieving their goals and improving their abilities. A student's confidence can be greatly enhanced if they improve their fitness level or acquire new movement skills. They also learn how to cooperate with others and handle winning and losing gracefully. These are all vital abilities for youngsters who compete in outside individual and team sports.

Self-confidence is highlighted when a young person learns a new skill or movement in a PE class. They can then apply that knowledge to be more self-assured in a game or performance-based sports setting. Moreover, this newfound confidence can spill over into other areas of their lives, enhancing their willingness to take on new challenges and participate in activities that were previously outside their comfort zones. By fostering a positive self-image and an attitude of resilience, physical education helps mold students into empowered individuals who feel capable of navigating various aspects of their lives.

Students love challenges which help boost their self-confidence! Check out this blog post that examines valuable insights on creating, implementing, and assessing skill-based challenge activities:

Skill-Based Activity Challenges in PE: Practical, Self-Guided Activities for Elevated PE

6. Provides opportunities for personal goal-setting

One of the most outstanding features of PE is the opportunity it provides students to create individual goals and self-discipline. This could be anything from improving their fitness levels to learning a new sport or perfecting a particular skill set. Having something to aim for gives children a real sense of purpose and motivation in PE, which can carry over into other areas of their lives.

Setting goals also helps children to track their progress and see how far they've come. This can be a great source of pride and satisfaction. Teachers can help students establish goals for themselves, which is an excellent approach to motivate them to reach Shape America's Standard 2 which highlights this PE concept: Applies knowledge related to movement and fitness concepts.

Rationale: Through learning experiences in physical education, the student uses their knowledge of movement concepts, tactics, and strategies across a variety of environments. This knowledge helps the student become a more versatile and efficient mover. Additionally, the student applies knowledge of health-related and skill-related fitness to enhance their overall well-being.

A well-constructed Physical Education Exit Checklist can play a crucial role in helping students assess their PE performance .The following article delves into the different components of such a checklist, how it promotes self-assessment, self-improvement, and why it's an essential tool in the modern PE environment: Enhancing Self-Reflection in Physical Education: The PE Exit Checklist Approach.

7. Helps reduce stress and anxiety

PE can be the perfect outlet to reduce stress and anxiety for young people. When kids are allowed to be active and move their bodies at school, it becomes a natural body and mind energizer that makes the rest of the day far more enjoyable. According to recent research, physical education may play an important role in lowering cortisol levels, which is linked to stress. Physical activity may help to improve mood and emotional stability. Regular physical exercise can also aid in the prevention of anxiety disorders. These anti-stress benefits, in the end, assist children and adolescents to become better students.

Furthermore, engaging in physical activities can serve as a constructive distraction, allowing students to break away from the daily pressures of academics and social interactions. This mental break is crucial for emotional rejuvenation, as it provides an opportunity to clear the mind, leading to increased concentration and improved overall mental health. The supportive environment of PE classes also promotes social interaction and teamwork, which are essential for developing coping mechanisms and a sense of belonging, further helping to alleviate feelings of stress and anxiety.

Are you ever stuck in a classroom for the day or know teachers that could use some GREAT Brain Breaks and Brain Boosts to recharge their students minds and bodies? Check out this blog:

Energizing Education: The Power of Brain Breaks in the Classroom; Includes 12 Practical Activities

8. Increases personal fitness and motor skill development

Physical education is a prime outlet for kids and adolescents to intentionally develop both their health and skill-related components of fitness. Students who participate in regular physical activity can get a lot out of their PE lessons. This is accomplished through repetition, practice, and creative movement situations. They may learn more about their bodies and how to use them appropriately in a variety of settings.

PE is a broad discipline that includes numerous options for students to participate in team and individual sports, dance, and gymnastics. A skill acquired early in life may be transferred to other similar skills or activities and put to use for the remainder of one's life, resulting in better health as an adult.

The physical benefits of developing personal fitness and motor skills are directly linked to Shape America's Standard 1: Develops a variety of motor skills.

Rationale: Through learning experiences in physical education, the student develops motor skills across a variety of environments. Motor skills are a foundational part of child development and support the movements of everyday life. The development of motor skills contributes to an individual’s physical literacy journey. Physical education class may be the only opportunity for younger individuals to learn a variety of motor skills and move their bodies in a meaningful way.

Physical education increases personal fitness and motor skill development

Learn how school physical education can combat childhood obesity in the following article. It offers strategies, insights, and personal experiences to guide you in creating a PE program that truly impacts student health and well-being:

Physical Education and Childhood Obesity: Empowering a Healthier Generation

9. Strengthens relationships with others

Physical education is not only about enhancing one's physical capabilities and motor skills. It's also about teaching individuals to collaborate and develop leadership skills. Students are frequently forced to work together as part of their PE lessons to complete assigned activities or objectives. This allows them to strengthen relationships with their classmates. In some cases, these relationships can last a lifetime. PE can also help to build communication skills and teach students how to better manage conflict. All of these factors contribute to the development of strong, healthy relationships with others.

Moreover, through group activities and team sports, PE classes provide an excellent platform for students to interact in a structured yet relaxed environment. This setting encourages them to understand and appreciate diverse perspectives, fostering empathy and mutual respect among peers. Such interactions not only enhance teamwork skills but also help in building a supportive community within the school. These social connections are vital for personal growth and contribute significantly to a student's emotional and social development.

Conflict resolution in physical education is an essential part of a PE teacher's role. Learn how to help students work through issues using the RESOLVE method. Click below for the article: Conflict Resolution in PE: A Teacher's Guide to Problem-Solving Using the RESOLVE Method.

10. Boosts academic learning

Numerous studies have demonstrated a strong correlation between physical activity and academic achievement. Physical education plays a crucial role in enhancing concentration, attention, and memory, while also alleviating stress and fatigue. These benefits collectively contribute to better grades and higher test scores for students. Moreover, engaging in physical activity increases blood flow and oxygen supply to the brain, which in turn improves cognitive functions. PE also fosters the development of executive functioning skills, including planning, organizing, and multitasking, which are essential for academic success.

Physical Education boosts academic learning!

Additionally, physical education significantly enhances students’ energy levels and mood, which are critical for effective learning. The increased production of endorphins triggered by physical activity not only uplifts mood but also boosts energy, making students more alert and receptive in the classroom. This positive shift in mood and energy facilitates easier focus and absorption of new information, thereby enhancing overall academic learning.

Discover the transformative power of word walls in physical education as the following blog post explores practical tips and strategies for their effective use. Unlock new avenues for engagement and learning with innovative approaches tailored to enhance your PE curriculum.

PE Word Walls: Engaging Strategies for Active Learning in Physical Education

Final Thoughts

Physical education is an important part of a student's overall education. It provides opportunities for students to improve their physical fitness and motor skills, while also developing teamwork skills and relationships with others. PE can also boost their academic performance by improving focus, concentration, and energy levels.

All of these benefits make PE an essential part of the educational experience for students of all ages. Physical education is an important part of a well-rounded education and should be required in all schools. So let's do our part to promote physical education in schools and keep our students strong in body and mind!

Do you think PE should be a mandatory part of the educational curriculum? Why or why not? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Video- Why Physical Education?

Check out Pete's video entitled Why Physical Education? 10 Reasons for and 6 Steps to Advocate.

10 Reasons for Physical Education - Cap'n Pete's PE Poster

FREE advocacy bundle

Need some graphics to advocate for your physical education program? Download this FREE visual packet to create wall posters or post them on your gym or school bulletin board!!

FREE physical education advocacy bundle on capnpetespowerpe.com

Need More Visual Resources for Your Learning Area?

Teaching physical education can be difficult. There are so many different things to cover, and it's hard to know what is the most important. I can help you make teaching PE simpler with engaging, student-friendly graphics that you may utilize on your gym wall or via a monitor. Visual aids can assist make physical education instruction much more simple. They break down complex topics into easy-to-understand visuals that will engage your students and help them learn.

If you're looking for high-quality visuals to help you teach PE and health, go with the Cap'n Pete's Top Physical Education Posters - 25 Set Super Bundle.