Physical Education has its rightful place in school for many reasons, with the most obvious ones being fitness and nutrition education, team building, and physical development. It also has its place as an opportunity for students to release energy in a fun and constructive way with their friends.
Research has shown ironically that before the emergence of gyms and health centers, the overall physical health of adults in America was better than what it currently is today.
We all know the importance of play for children but this does not mean that when a child becomes an adult that all play has to cease and become relegated to the treadmills and health clubs. When our kids leave Meriwether Lewis, we want them to possess all of the basic skills in which they can feel comfortable participating in sports/intramurals/activities on any level, at any age.
Along with motor skill development is the emerging correlation between academics and physical activity. We know that students who stay active tend to have continued success in the classroom. The more opportunities students get to not just move, but thinking while moving, greatly increases their ability to obtain and retain new information.
Students have multiple intelligences and learn in many unique ways. Our curriculum is structured and designed in a way where movement and cognition require strategies that can be solved by traditional methods but also allow for a more unconventional or abstract approach to problem solving and teamwork.
It is necessary as well to empower our students to take ownership of their physical being. We teach them to know how to strengthen their bodies, identify muscles, understand heart rate and build an awareness of overall physical health and wellness.
We want our kids to grow up as adults who are responsible for their health, as well as foster an enjoyment for physical activity that will serve them throughout their lives. We aim to provide an environment where the thought of being active conjures up positive and exciting images for each student.
