White Pine Student Interest Surveys: Schooling

 Here we have part three of our ongoing series of student interest essays at the middle school! This section dives into the heart of a pressing educational issues as seen through the eyes of our students. In this installment, a student explores the topic that often spark debate and inspire passionate opinions: the necessity and impact of required PE classes. Take a look as our students dig in.

Should P.E. be Required?

By: Gideon Evans

Yes, and here are some of the reasons why.

P.E. could help kids from getting obese. When kids exercise in P.E. they can not only prevent becoming obese, but might even lose weight. My evidence is that when kids didn’t have access to P.E. the percentage of obese kids was around 30%, but when kids got access to P.E. the percentage went down 10%. So when they don’t have P.E. the percentage goes up, but if they do have P.E. the percentage goes down. P.E. could also help students bond with each other. If students have something to talk about with each other they could form relationships from those conversations. “Matt Flesock, executive director of Sound Body Sound Mind, says movement and exercise are essential for a child’s overall development.” (UCLA health)So if P.E. helps children talk to each other and helps their development then it could easily make them bond with each other. P.E. could help children’s immune systems. Physical activity helps a person get stronger which boosts their immune system. “Rebecca Dudovitz, MD, associate professor of general pediatrics, says physical education classes are key for helping children maintain their overall health.” (ucla health) P.E. helps physical health, therefore it helps your immune system. P.E. can help a student’s mental health. Physical activity can help someone mentally so P.E. can too. “Exercise is a key component for recovering from and preventing obesity and it’s a key part of coping with and preventing mental health problems.”(ucla health) P.E. helps students mentally cope with things, and physically makes them stronger. P.E. should be every day for students. P.E. has multiple benefits, some I didn’t even talk about so then it shouldn’t be limited to one day. “Rebecca Dudovitz, MD, associate professor of general pediatrics, says physical education classes are key for helping children maintain their overall health.” P.E. is great for growing children so it should be an everyday class. Works Cited Wikipedia, https://www.uclahealth.org/news/article/pe-classes-vital-to-childrens-physical-and-mental-health. Accessed 3 May 2024. “Approaches to Physical Education in Schools - Educating the Student Body.” NCBI, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK201493/. Accessed 3 May 2024. “Physical Education | Physical Activity | Healthy Schools | CDC.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/healthyschools/physicalactivity/physical-education.htm. Accessed 3 May 2024.