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.