I first want to bring to light a few startling statistics. According to the US Report Card on Physical Activity, only 42% of children ages 6-11 meet the guideline of 60 minutes of physical activity per day. That number drops to 15% in middle school. Additionally, 80% of elementary aged children do not adhere to the recommended 2 hours or less of screen time per day. As a result, nearly 20% of children in the US have obesity according to the CDC.
These statistics are alarming! And they prove the importance of my job as a physical educator. Every day, about 150 kids enter my gymnasium. At the elementary level, if Ican make PE fun and engaging, I can make a difference. If I can help children understand the importance of physical activity, I can make a difference. If I can be a positive role model by exercising, eating a healthy diet and staying fit myself, I can make a difference. If I can help each child find some sort of physical activity they enjoy, I can make a difference. If they can learn to be a good sport, show respect and kindness to others, and value all students in my class, I can make a difference.
I am blessed to have a job I absolutely love and my hope is that I really can make a difference in the lives of my students, meeting each of them where they are, finding out what excites them and interests them, and helping them each realize their potential and grow to be the best humans they can possibly be.