This post reflects a compensated editorial partnership with Voices for Healthy Kids, a joint initiative of the American Heart Association and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
If your child attends public school you need to ask yourself a question. Is your child getting enough PE time? The focus from most people is always….is my child getting enough time for reading, math, science and PE is rarely part of the discussion. That is unfortunate and needs to change because PE is vital to the health and education of our children.
Is Your Child Getting Enough PE Time?
I have been a school nurse for over 16 years. It has been apparent to me during my career that physical education is an important part of the school day. Children need to be active, and sitting in class all day is not natural. PE classes give kids a chance to move and develop fine and gross motor skills. It isn't just about fun.
Do You Know How Much PE Your Child Gets?
Many parents have an assumption of how often their child has PE class based on how often they had it as a kid. Unfortunately, times have changed and I think some parents would be shocked to know how INFREQUENTLY their child actually has PE class. Ask some questions and see how much physical education your child really gets each week. If you don't think it is enough…there are some things you can do!
Voices for Healthy Kids
Voices for Healthy Kids, a joint initiative of the American Heart Association and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, wants to start a national conversation about the need to ensure effective physical education as part of EVERY child's education. Watch this video that talks more about their mission.
How Can You Help Keep Kids in PE?
If you believe that PE is important to the academic success of children, there are some steps you can take. Join the PE Action Team today. The PE Action Team will keep you updated on the campaign and will provide you with opportunities to get involved.
You can also find out how to make a difference in your local community. There is a TOOLKIT that will give you lots of ideas and information to make a change at your local level to increase PE time for kids.
How Has PE Impacted Your Life?
I look back on my years in PE and have some great memories. Some of my favorite memories of elementary school were made in physical education class with my teacher, Ms. Nicholas. I didn't know at the time how much she was really teaching me because she made it so fun.
What are your favorite memories of PE class? Do your children get adequate PE time? Remember…working together, we can make a difference!
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Most kids don’t get enough PE time. Even down here in the south were PE is a big deal, it’s being slowly pushed out.
My kids are very active! They are always outside playing or running 🙂
Yes! Our state mandates PE. Although it never hurts to get more exercise.
During the winter months, I know they do not! I wish I could change it, but their school has too many kids!
My kids and grandkids get a lot of PE time, they moment the weather breaks and even if it’s cold they are always outdoors playing around.
My kiddo is very active, but think there should be more. I think that kids learn a lot more when they have run out their energy.
my son loves ports and my daughter runs track so I am comfortable with their PE at public schools. I am glad it is getting the notice it needs.
I’m a huge advocate of PE. I’m a grandmother and product of mandatory PE class AND showers. But I wouldn’t enforce mandatory showers (It can be traumatic in middle school to say the least!) but I do advocate PE. Sadly… way too many kids aren’t getting any outdoor exercise at home these days. Too much tech time. Here’s to a wicked good game of tree tag or even hopscotch!
It is crazy to think they aren’t keeping kids active at school. We always keep the kids active after school and on the weekends.
My son gets 30 minutes of PE at school and I know that isn’t nearly enough. We need to get him more active outside of school.
Now that the weather is warmer, my kids have outdoor recess twice daily and PE once a week. They love playing outside.
Kids do not spend enough time being active. PE has been getting cut back way to much in schools. I make sure my kids spend time after school outside.
It is so hard to get the kids away from all the devices they have. We like to get outside and challenge the kids to do different tasks. Hiking is a family favorite. It is so sad that PE has had so many cutbacks.
My favorite class was PE when I was in school. It is so important for kids to learn to be active.
My kids are in extracurricular sports, but I think having enough PE time during school would help them focus more in their classes, too.
I think it is so sad that PE has been getting so many cut backs in school. Kids need to be active I think it helps them learn better.
my oldest is in sports all year so she gets a lot of PE time which i’m thankful for.
These are great info! Thank you so much for sharing this! I think my kids aren’t getting enough PE time. Would love to check that out.
I loved playing doge ball and kick ball when I was a kid. There are so many games they don’t let them play in PE any longer. But your really do need to have these games.