The History of Physical Education

Michael Schatzman

High School Students

What is Phys Ed?Physical education is a part of education which gives instructions in the development and care of the body ranging from simple callisthenic exercises to a course of study providing training in hygiene, gymnastics and the performance and management of athletics games.

Goals Demonstrate competency in motor skills and movement patterns needed toperform a variety of physical activities;

Demonstrate understanding of movement concepts, principles, strategies,and tactics as they apply to the learning and performance of physicalactivities;

Participate regularly in physical activity;

Achieve and maintain a health-enhancing level of physical fitness;

Exhibit responsible personal and social behavior that respects self andothers in physical activity settings.

Value physical activity for health, enjoyment, challenge, self-expressionand/or social interaction.

Brief History 19th Century -Growing popularity of physical education programs all across Europe where gymnastics and calisthenics were very popular.

American schools looked to follow the European model by incorporating physical education in schools.

1820 -Schools focused on hygiene training and development of human body.

1950 over 400 institutes had introduced majors in physical education.

Physical Education became a formal requirement following the civil war.

Johann Bernhard Basedow

First to recognize the importance of exercise in the United States

Required a specific uniform for his students to allow unrestricted movement

Offered a camp for 2 months during the summer for the children

Charles BeckThe first teacher of physical education to appear in America was

a German named Charles Beck.

Beck decided to promote physical education across the world

In 1825, Beck was hired by the Round Hill School in Northampton, Massachusetts, becoming the first official

physical education teacher in the United States.

The school contained a gymnasium, and Beck primarily taught German gymnastics.

Dio LewisDid more to promote physical education than any

other individual

Wanted the feeble, old, fat, frail and women to have a system they could use

Opened the Normal Institute of Physical Education in Boston

Invented bean bags and wooden dumbells

Used music to enhance his exercises

Amherst CollegeJanuary 1st 1861

Amherst College in Amherst, MA becomes first college to establish a physical eduaction program. Previously bounded by religious prohibitions, this was a big improvement because the importance of exercise and fitness began to become accepted.

Games & Actvities in 1800’sSkip Away

Chasingers

Charlie Over the Water

Frog in the Middle

Hat Ball

Blind Man’s Buff

Midnight

Roll Ball

Spider

Huntsman

Brownies and Fairies

Frog in the Sea

The Lost Child

Games & Actvities of 1900-1920

Old PE VS New PELarge groups

limited equipment

Skill related

Teacher directed

Emphasis on competition

Grades based on attendance dress, skill, level, fitness

scores

Small groups

adequate equipment

All students have opportunities for success

Health related

Teacher as coach/guide

Emphasis on cooperation

Grades based on self-improvement, self-evaluation; peer assessment, skill rubrics

Modern Games & ActvitiesKick Ball

Volley Ball

Basketball

Capture the Flag

Red Light Green Light

Floor Hockey

Ultimate Frisbee

Badmitton

Purpose of Physical EducationThe purpose of physical education is for all

students: To learn and develop fundamental movement skills

To become physically fit to participate regularly in physical activity

To know the implications of and the benefits from involvement in physical activities

To appreciate the value of physical activity and its contributions to a healthy lifestyle

Importance of Phys Ed Reduced Risk of Heart

Failure

Improved Physical Fitness

Weight Reduction

Self Discipline

Skill Development

Stress Reduction

Development of Lifetime Skills and Activities

Qualities of a Good Phys Ed Program

- Should Include the Following Three Things : Opportunities for students to learn (time, equipment)

Meaningful Content (variety, understanding)

Appropriate Instruction (inclusion, practice, assessment)

Physical Activity FactsThe percentage of overweight children has more than doubled

since the early 1970s.

Physical inactivity and poor diet account for an estimated 300,000 deaths per year.

Inactive children are more likely to become inactive adults.

The cost of overweight and obesity to the U.S. economy is $117 billion annually in direct and indirect medical costs.

Health BenefitsIncreases self-confidence & self – esteem

Gives students more energy

Improves body shape

Tones and firms up muscles

Reduces tension & Stress

Improves coordination & Balancehttp://www.aaps.k12.mi.us/huron.pe/health_benefits

Physical Fitness Testing

Curl ups - This activity measures abdominal strength and endurance.

Sit & Reach - This activity measures flexibility of the lower back and hamstrings.

Mile Run/Walk - This activity measures heart/lung endurance.

Shuttle Run - This activity measures speed and agility.

Pull ups - This activity measures upper body strength and endurance.

The Physical Fitness Test includes five activities that measure muscular strength/endurance, cardio-respiratory endurance, speed, agility, and flexibility:

What to Wear Most schools require students to change into athletic clothes of their own while

others require a uniform.

Uniform Consist of Shirts in the school colorShorts in the school color

Athletic Sneakers

Why Do Children need PE

Physical education is an integral part of the total education of every child in Kindergarten through Grade 12.

Quality physical education programs are needed to increase the physical competence, health-related fitness, self-responsibility and enjoyment of physical activity for all students so that they can be physically active for a lifetime.

Physical education programs can only provide these benefits if they are well-planned and well-implemented.