How can K-12 education promote health and wellness through physical education?

Physical education is a lot more that just action space on field. We are missing one of the must crucial element of incorporating the food science as a direct influencer in physical education. While we teach them in detail the biological functions but we do not join the dots for them that how protein, water, sleep and breath play a role in their physical performance. It is time we start aiding our PE curriculum with knowledge as well.

As per Indian schools, Physical Education (PE) means "two hours of exercise & fun in a week". Though kids eagerly wait for those hours, they are always in a constant fear of losing them to subject teachers. But the PE activity is at its peak when it's few weeks from sports day. The students are pushed to "practice" and complete the whole years' physical activities in those weeks. After the sports day, the PE teachers become the discipline staff. PE should not only stick to sports but include other physical activities like cleaning the class room, taking care of the surrounding, etc. Infuse the thought that physical activities make us responsible, maintain & sustain physical & mental health. Only then PE can contribute to their health.

Let’s include entire units on neuroscience. A healthy brain is the basis for a healthy body in terms of developing healthy behaviors and choices. If a student’s behavior is erratic because of excess screentime or stress and lack of focus, it’s doubtful the student will absorb and practice what they’ve learned about exercise or proper nutrition. We can’t expect them to make healthy choices otherwise. There are age appropriate ways to teach them about sympathetic and parasympathetic responses.There a number of ways to encourage a buy-in for behaviors that will not only heal, but also create a foundation for a healthy life. There is so much research out there. Let’s incorporate this into the k-12 curriculum.

This is a great question and one today in modern education that is vital. There is gentleman called Stefan Jones who has developed a programme called SPW ( Sports Performance and Wellbeing). He is the ex director of sport at Wellington School in Somerset and has advised the DfE in the Uk on the foundations of the success of the programme. It brings home the I more her of all well being not just physical attributes as well as those developing their understanding and pursuit of sport at a higher level. Great programme being taken up across the world.

While everything that was described is an important part of the PE curriculum and standards, there are areas related to social, health, safety, and growth areas that are not necessary included in this description. On my view, these are crucial to the development of the young student throughout the k-12. SeveraL times, I see educational government bodies more worried about curriculum than the development and growth of students.

In my experience as a Physical education teacher, I believe in the critical role that physical education (PE) plays in promoting health and wellness among K-12 students. Here's how I advocate and promote PE within the school community: -Integrating PE with subjects like science,math, language,arts fostering a holistic understanding of health and wellness. -Collaborating with local organizations and community members, to further advocate for the importance of PE, organizing events and initiatives that promote physical activity beyond the school setting. -Integrating diverse perspectives, traditions, and practices into the PE curriculum to promote awareness and appreciation of different cultures' approaches to physical activity and wellness.