Physical Education or Physical LiteracyIn the battle against childhood obesity many say we need to concentrate on more physical education for our young people. Wikipedia has extensive definitions about physical education. It says, "Though each with a very different connotation, physical education class, physical training (PT), or gym are what most educational systems label these classes. They are courses in the curriculum which utilize learning in the cognitive, affective, and psychomotor domains in a play or movement exploration setting. The term physical education is most commonly used in this way; however, this denotes rather that "they have participated in the subject area, not studied it." Over the years physical education classes have changed emphasis depending upon the time, the type of school and the facilities. In addition, the intent of the activities has also changed. Some programs concentrate on getting kids to be more active, others work at having them learn the rules of a game and how to be a member of the team. In some cases, the school may be working to help young people lose weight. No matter what the program, we believe that we must move away from physical education and to Physical Literacy. What's the difference? A lot. Physical literacy is a comprehensive set of physical skills used to engage in any physical activity. Children learn their ABC's before they read. And, to participate in physical activities they need skills. Too often physical education classes do not teach skills. They may teach the rules of a game or have students run around a track, but often they are not helping kids develop self confidence, a sense of their bodies, and the skills needed for life-long physical activity. So, how can we teach Physical Literacy? Our GYMTR!X makes it fun and easy. But you must choose the program that is appropriate for the age and ability of the child. Here are some things to remember: 1. Make it regular! Engage in activities every day, several times a day. Take a few minutes to have fun and try the activities from GYMTRIX programs whenever you can, even if you only have 5 or 10 minutes.2. Make it fun! Kids are motivated by fun. Activities must be fun for kids, but also challenges them to learn at the same time.3. Make it Challenging! Kids love to learn and grow. GYMTRIX programs provide challenges that are age appropriate so kids have fun and donít get frustrated. Kids are successful in small steps and soon a new skill is mastered.4. Make it new! Life is more interesting when things are new. GYMTRIX programs have SO many activities, that you can try new things every day. Rotating activities is the best way to stimulate the brain and practice skills learned earlier.5. Take it everywhere! Make activity a lifestyle by taking GYMTRIX activities to a friendís house, Grandmotherís house, outside, to the playground, to the grocery store (practice throwing and catching with safe items like paper towels). The opportunities for play and learning are everywhere! REMEMBER TO KEEP MOVING!!!
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