Physical education is more than just a recess activity

Student, parents and teachers should welcome the dedication of the many individuals who provide daily exercise opportunities for children in Maryland. Mr. Samuel's efforts should be part of a comprehensive physical activity program that includes state-mandated physical education instruction.
At a time when the benefits of daily physical activity for academic learning are well known, it is important that school systems work diligently to provide daily physical activity. Some of this may be in the form of recess, but most of it should be in the presence of a qualified and certified physical education professional.

It is important that parents, teachers, principals and administrators realize that there are differences between the discipline of physical education and the programs provided by Mr. Samuel and Playworks.

Recess provides children with discretionary time to engage in physical activity. Many organizations, such as SHAPE America and the Maryland Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, recommend a period of recess everyday.

Physical education, on the other hand, has national and state standards and should be taught by a certified individual who has obtained that certificate by going through a four- or five-year college program and who knows how to differentiate instruction according to the abilities and experiences of each child.

There are fitness tests that most Maryland districts administer in order to ascertain what areas of health-related fitness are most needed when designing curriculum. Games and activities are taught with an eye toward what their specific benefits to fitness levels are, and this is articulated to the students. Physical educators also have training in concussion awareness, heat-related injuries and proper nutrition.

Elaine Lindsay
The writer is executive director of the Maryland Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance.