Mandatory Physical Education For Elementary Schools
This is so cool. Charlie Crist (Florida Governor), signed a bill today that gives elementary school kids a mandatory
1/2 hour of physical education per day, starting in August.
This is just awesome, and about time.
Physical education is already required by the state’s largest school district, Miami-Dade County. Elementary students must have 2-½ hours of physical education weekly, in addition to recess two or three times a week.
Regular physical activity has been proven to improve weight, muscular strength, bone mass, blood pressure levels and self-esteem, state Health Secretary Ana Viamonte Ros said in a statement.
Some educators had worried the new requirement would take time away from other subjects such as art and music. Crist said Thursday that students will benefit academically by being in better health, and recalled that his own grades improved during football season.
It only makes sense. And if educators are worried about art and music, then increase school time from 6 hours to 8.
I don’t remember having art and music in elementary school. I did take organ and guitar lessons, but outside of school, and I don’t remember having art until I was in high school.