A challenge we face as physical education teachers is that our students are too sedentary. Many students don’t know what it feels like to benefit from exercise, they don't know that feeling that good is possible, nor do they have the freedom, or agency to make that happen for themselves. More often, we are finding students have low energy and lack motivation. Over the last year and a half of this pandemic has emphasized stressors and dangers our student body faces; many of which correlate to sedentary habits: low self-image, anxiety, depression, and other serious mental health conditions.
We believe in teaching students to appreciate what the body can do, and challenge themselves in what they cannot yet do. In curriculums 6-8 grade students work on establishing personal goals related to their physical fitness and physical activity. We engage students in the process by initially testing their current level of fitness using various FitnessGram tests.
It’s important to know where they are in their fitness journey so they can make informed decisions about where they are going and can have evidence of the fruits of their work. The Don't Quit Fitness Center has already provided students with a space to inspire their individual growth and will continue to do so for years to come. Big thank you to the National Foundation for Governors Fitness Council!
September 2021