I knew I could count on the boys and girls at House to let their voices be heard regarding Senate Bill 474. Let me tell you about a few of the comments I really liked. Dylan thinks that "chubby people need to work out". But it goes beyond that. It is important that we all work out. It does not matter if we are old or young, skinny or chubby, short or tall. Rina said, "I feel like I walked over the whole entire solar system". Wow! That is a lot of walking, but it is good for you. Theresa thought that if we had P.E. everyday it "might become boring". Gosh, I don't want that to happen. Then you might stop getting the exercise you need and that would be horrible. Maria summed up my thoughts perfectly, "I'm not really that worried, but I'm still confused". Oh boy am I ever confused! If you want to check out more of what your classmates, teachers and even a high school student had to say about SB 474 go here.
Now as promised, I'll share my opinion with you all. I am CONFUSED! I'd love to see the boys and girls at House more than two times a week, but I DO NOT think you should miss out on classroom instruction or Specials. Your classroom teachers do a wonderful job teaching you all of the material required by the state and so much more. I love admiring your work in the hallways or reading classroom and student blogs. Above all, you need to have art, music and computer lab. You learn so many wonderful things in each of these Specials. They help make you into a well-rounded student. And just to let you know, House has the best art, music and technology teachers I have ever worked with! I think we need to keep Mrs. Anthos, Mrs. Goode and Mrs. Meeler around so they can share their expertise with you. Ask yourself: Do I really want Ms. Roper (Queen of the Stick Figures) teaching me how to draw? Or would "Ms. Can Only Sing Off Key" (Roper) be the person to teach and lead you in musicals? Mrs. Meeler has me beat on the computer. Sure, I can use one and post a blog, but I could NEVER teach the skills she covers with our students.
That's my story and I'm sticking to it!
I have to tell you I love this blog! And I love how you are getting the input of the students and teachers. Here's my opinion - I think we could have PE every day through the regular classrooms - say a quick warm up before a class, a quick walk around the halls or building, quiet exercises in the classroom. I think this would help the teachers because it would stimulate the circulation, increasing oxygen and nutrients to the brain, prevent classroom boredom, I believe quick exercises would make children more alert and happy and healthy. Everyone is so creative at House - brainstorm a list of quick "PE activities" that mesh with learning and the classrooms. That's my opinion and I'm sticking with it.
Posted by: Anne_Davis | March 23, 2006 at 04:44 PM
I agree that physical fitness is very important for our young ones but it doesn't seem like it would be beneficial if other programs were omitted. Doesn't most of the responsibility for a child's daily physical activity belong to the parents, anyway? It should. Even if they have PE on a daily basis and then come home and sit in front of the television for the rest of the day how is this going to instill good health practices. Parents really need to step up and change routines at home. I don't know...it feels as if the government and school officials don't trust parent's to make wise, healthy decisions for our children. While I don't necessarily disagree with implementing a little more physical activity in the children's school program it just seems unfair if any other programs were cut. Isn't it just as important for children to learn to appreciate music and art? These can be as beneficial to the mind and soul as exercise is to the body, and technology is something our children need to acquire skills for in our present society.
Posted by: Robin J | March 29, 2006 at 05:43 AM