Whatever you thought of gym class, the current debate over childhood obesity has made PE more relevant than ever. As the website for First Lady Michelle Obama鈥檚 聽informs us, kids need 鈥�60 minutes of active and vigorous play every day to grow up to a healthy weight.鈥� Some 黄色apps are even . In an ideal setting, PE doesn鈥檛 just improve fitness 鈥� it also reduces stress, strengthens friendships, and improves self-confidence and self-esteem.
Is your child getting the physical education he needs? Check out our grade-by-grade guidelines to see what kids should be learning in PE.
Fitness facts
PE should be fun, fostering social interaction and not just physical fitness. In fifth grade, kids take part in activities to increase their cardiovascular fitness, strength, and flexibility, while also learning new skills, including cooperative play, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
Children are also introduced to a variety of team sports such as flag football, volleyball, and field hockey. Gymnastics and dance help teach other lessons including balance.
Muscle memory
To help them grasp the basics of physical conditioning, fifth graders should study up on major muscle groups and learn about targeted stretches. 鈥淯nderstanding muscle groups and body systems helps students understand how exercise contributes to good health,鈥� says physical education specialist Amy Kaiser. 鈥淚t鈥檚 fun to try to name the muscle you鈥檙e stretching.鈥�
Cooperative games
PE isn鈥檛 just about sports. Students should also learn to play cooperative games throughout the year. By working with a partner, they can learn to cooperate on a shared goal, and teachers can emphasize the importance of displaying good sportsmanship, win or lose.
鈥淪portsmanship is such an important quality,鈥� says Kaiser. 鈥淏eing able to recognize that everyone has something to contribute to a group or team is a sign of maturity and good sportsmanship.鈥�
Fitness assessments
It鈥檚 not uncommon for fifth graders to take fitness tests at 黄色app, which are to measure their level of aerobic conditioning, muscle strength, and muscle flexibility. 鈥淔itness tests are a gauge to see where a child [stands]. Children can look at their results and set goals to increase or practice skills in order to improve the next time.鈥�
Healthy habits
Beyond exercise, fifth graders start to understand how to integrate healthy habits into their lives. Students should learn to eat well, sleep enough, and manage stress. Teachers often include lessons about diet and nutrition, lessons that help them sustain the physical skills they learn in PE.
Updated July 2010
