In Alabama, elementary students are required to receive 30 minutes of physical education daily. The goal of physical education is to develop physically literate individuals who have the competence and the confidence to be active for a lifetime. This physical education time is an important part of the school day. In addition to improving gross/fine motor skills, children have opportunities to practice their social skills such as sharing, turn-taking, and sportsmanship, and their personal skills such as resiliency, goal setting, and building self-confidence.
Fundamental and foundational movement patterns are the backbone of elementary physical education. Children who are competent and confident movers are more likely to be physically active adults. A quality physical education program will help children find joy in movement.
As parents and caregivers, you can support their physical education experiences in several ways:
- Understanding that physical education is an academic subject with state course of study standards.
- Asking your child what they learned in physical education rather than asking them what they played.
- Ensuring your child is dressed for movement each day, including proper footwear.
- Communicating with the physical education teacher if your child can’t participate due to sickness or physical injury.
- Encouraging your child to practice skills learned in physical education outside of school.
Children who are physically active and experience success in movement activities show higher levels of self-confidence. Regular physical activity helps sharpen judgment and thinking skills. And most importantly, physically active children are more likely to remain physically active adults.