Keeping PE/ Recess in schools

Keeping PE/ Recess in schools By: Mallory McGilvray, Jessica Kee, Leanda Key, and Brynn Reid

Why It is important • We think that keeping PE/ Recess in school is vital to children in many ways. There are too many benefits educationally, socially, emotionally, and physically to get rid of both in schools. Our children need physical activity to help them as they grow up and when they are older. Studies have shown children to do better in all areas of school when they have experienced physical activity.

Health Benefits • Gets children’s heart rate up • Healthier and longer lives • Lower risk of heart disease • Lower risk of high blood pressure • Lower risk of diabetes • Lower risk of obesity • Can help eliminate some cancers • Improves circulation • Increases blood flow to the brain • Raises endorphin levels

Social benefits • Cutting PE takes away from children’s social development • They need to learn to work in teams • They need to learn to achieve goals together • PE keeps children having fun at school with their peers • Opportunities to work on problem solving

Educational Benefits • Promotes better classroom learning by keeping kids more on task and improving their concentration • Strong correlation between aerobic fitness and academic performance as measured by grades in core subjects and standardized test scores • Normal- weight children have lower rates of school absenteeism than obese children • Supercharges our mental circuits • Sharpens our thinking • Lifts our mood and boosts memory • Achieve more academically • Reduced disruptive behaviors • Higher test scores in reading, math, and writing

Emotional benefits • Positive impact on life • Keeps them happy and connected with school • Increases self-esteem • Improves mood • Improves attitude • Calm children

Physical Benefits • Life-long lessons related to physical skills • Informed about nutrition and benefits of exercise • Teaches students behavioral and movement skills they will help them be physically fit in life • Needed for well-balanced life

How parents can help • Be an advocate at your school • Bike with your children • Go on a walk with your children • Play outside • Go to a park • Children need close to 60 minutes a day of physical activity • Talk to the teacher about how much physical activity is being done

Data • 25 million kids in the country are considered obese • An online Parent Soup poll on the question "Do you think recess should be eliminated in elementary schools?" drew this response from parents: Of 1,506 total votes, 3 percent said yes, and 97 percent answered no. • Until at least the age of nine, children’s learning occurs best when the whole self is involved. • Nearly 40 percent of American elementary schools have either eliminated or are considering eliminating recess. • A survey conducted by the PTA showed that nine out of 10 teachers say recess and the free time spent with peers is an important part of the school day and is crucial to a child’s social and emotional development.

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Opposing argument • Stress on standardized testing • Prepare by spending more time on academics • Need more time so eliminate recess • Some say play can occur after school • School is for academics

Resources • Keep Gym in School associated with NFL Network • Childhood Obesity associated with ESPN • Value of School Recess and Outdoor Play associated with Education magazine • The Case for Physical Education associated with American Heart Association • Everyday Choices • Physical Education and School Performance associated with University of Michigan • Right to Recess associated with National Recess Campaign Information • http://nfait.wordpress.com/

Keeping PE/ Recess in schools