In today’s fast-paced world, fostering healthy habits in children is more crucial than ever. But when it comes to physical education (PE), two hours a week simply doesn’t seem to be enough to instill lasting habits of a healthy lifestyle. While PE is undeniably an important part of the curriculum, I believe that the current guided amount of just two hours per week falls short of what’s necessary to build a foundation that children can carry into adulthood.
The Problem with Just Two Hours
Two hours of physical activity a week might seem like a solid start, but let’s be honest—it’s not enough. Building a health habit requires regular practice, and when children only engage in physical activity for two hours each week, they’re not getting the consistent exposure they need to form lasting habits. This limited time frame makes it difficult for PE to have the kind of impact it should on a child’s future wellbeing.
We all know schools face immense pressure to meet academic targets in subjects like English and Math. And understandably, time is a precious resource in the classroom. But if we can justify rigorous expectations for literacy and numeracy, why not apply that same approach to physical education? The reality is, just like academic subjects, PE has long-term benefits. Regular physical activity helps children improve concentration, boosts mood, and plays a vital role in combating the rise of childhood obesity. Yet, we often see physical education being pushed to the side in favor of hitting those academic benchmarks.
The Gap Between Policy and Practice
A 2018 study found that only 69% of students actually had two hours or more of planned PE time scheduled in their timetables. That statistic is telling. It shows that even when schools claim they are meeting the minimum recommended time for PE, a significant portion of students aren’t even receiving that. Furthermore, the study highlighted that a considerable chunk of the allotted time is lost on things like set-up and getting changed. This means that, in reality, children are getting even less time to engage in physical activity than we think.
Finding Practical Solutions
So, what can we do to ensure that children are getting the movement they need in a way that’s both practical and effective? There are simple yet impactful steps that schools can take to integrate more physical activity throughout the day. One suggestion is to implement daily games or morning wake-up activities, such as short dance routines. These activities don’t need to be long or complex, but they get kids moving and help them develop an appreciation for regular physical activity. Starting the day with a bit of movement can also help children focus and feel energised for the lessons ahead which will also benefit your more academic subjects.
Another great way to promote physical activity is to incorporate movement into other subjects throughout the day. Teachers could implement short physical exercises between lessons, or even try kinesthetic learning methods that encourage students to move while they learn. This approach not only builds the habit of staying active, but it also benefits children who might struggle with traditional academic tasks. Movement can be a powerful tool for engaging less academic students, making them feel more involved and improving their overall experience at school.
The Bigger Picture
At the end of the day, the goal should be to create a school environment where physical activity is valued and integrated into daily routines, not just confined to a couple of hours a week. By embedding movement into various aspects of school life, we can help children develop a lifelong habit of physical activity. This not only boosts their physical health but can have lasting positive effects on their mental and academic wellbeing.
It’s time to think beyond the minimum, and push for a culture where physical education is seen as just as essential as reading and writing. After all, a healthy body can help nurture a sharp mind. Let’s give our children the tools they need to thrive—both in and outside the classroom.
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