Advocating for Physical Education Programs
Identify 2 advantages of physical exercise during middle childhood in each of the following domains: biological, psychological, and social.
Physical education programs serve an important role in enhancing children’s overall well-being during middle childhood, providing a variety of benefits across biological, psychological, and social domains. Regular physical activity throughout middle childhood has two substantial biological benefits. For starters, it encourages the growth of strong and healthy bones and muscles. Physical activity helps youngsters build bone density and muscle mass throughout this important stage of growth, lowering the risk of osteoporosis and musculoskeletal disorders later in life (Akaike et al., 2022). Second, it aids in the maintenance of a healthy weight. Childhood obesity is a significant concern, and physical activity helps children burn calories, maintain a healthy BMI, and lower their risk of obesity-related health conditions, including diabetes and heart disease.
Physical education programs provide various psychological benefits to children during their middle childhood. One advantage is improved cognitive function. Physical activity on a regular basis has been related to enhanced concentration, memory, and problem-solving abilities. It also reduces stress and anxiety, supporting mental health. Another advantage is an increase in self-esteem and confidence. When children participate in physical activities, they gain a sense of success and self-worth, especially when they meet personal fitness goals or thrive in sports, which contributes to a good self-image.
Physical education programs in middle childhood create key interpersonal skills. One key advantage is the possibility of social engagement and friendship growth. Children gain teamwork, cooperation, and communication skills through team sports and group activities, which are necessary for developing good relationships (Shen et al., 2022). Furthermore, by providing a planned and supervised environment for physical activity, teaching children how to resolve problems peacefully, and promoting healthy social skills, physical education programs can help minimize bullying and aggressiveness.
In summary, physical education programs in middle childhood provide a variety of benefits across biological, psychological, and social domains. They help build strong bones and muscles, maintain a healthy weight, improve cognitive function, raise self-esteem, and promote positive social connections. These advantages highlight the necessity of lobbying for effective physical education programs in schools to support children’s complete well-being throughout this key stage of development.
A proposal has been made in your state government to cut funding for physical education (PE) programs in its elementary schools by as much as 20%. As an elementary school social worker, you are aware of the biopsychosocial benefits of physical exercise during middle childhood.
Letter Advocating Against the Proposal
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Stockton, California]
[3.10.2023]
[Recipient’s Name]
[Title]
[State Legislature]
[Stockton, California]
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
I am writing to voice my serious concern about the proposal to slash funding for physical education (PE) programs in our state’s elementary schools by up to 20%. As an elementary school social worker in Stockton, California, I have seen firsthand the enormous biopsychosocial benefits that physical activity provides to our children during their middle childhood. I encourage reconsidering this idea and prioritizing our students’ well-being and future.
Physical education programs in elementary schools play an important role in our children’s health and development from a biological standpoint. Regular physical exercise aids in the fight against the alarming rise in childhood obesity rates, a major issue affecting not just individuals but also the entire healthcare system. Physical activity promotes cognitive development and emotional well-being in youngsters. Furthermore, PE programs provide a safe place for children to manage stress and anxiety, which is especially important in today’s demanding academic environment. Socially, PE programs offer a one-of-a-kind platform for learning important life skills. Our children learn how to develop positive relationships and resolve issues constructively through teamwork, cooperation, and sportsmanship.
On a larger scale, we must acknowledge that the benefits of primary school PE programs reach far beyond the individual student. They benefit families, schools, and entire communities. We lessen the demand for healthcare services, improve academic achievement, and build a more cohesive and resilient community by encouraging physical fitness and healthy habits among our young. Finally, I ask you to reconsider the planned reduction of physical education funding in our elementary schools. These programs are a critical investment in our children’s physical, mental, and social development, with far-reaching community benefits.
Thank you for taking the time to read this important letter. I hope that our state will continue to prioritize the health and development of our children.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
References
Akaike, A., Suzuki, D., Okuyama, S., Kudo, Y., Shimizu, H., Takanashi, S., Makino, K., Yokoyama, J., & Nakaji, S. (2022). Associations between physical physique/fitness in children and bone development during puberty: A 4-year longitudinal study. Scientific Reports, 12(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-17623-z
Shen, Y., Rose, S., & Dyson, B. (2022). Social and emotional learning for underserved children through a sports-based youth development program grounded in teaching personal and social responsibility. Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy, 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1080/17408989.2022.2039614
ORDER A PLAGIARISM-FREE PAPER HERE
We’ll write everything from scratch
Question 
Advocating for Physical Education Programs
Chapter 6.
1. Identify 2 advantages of physical exercise during middle childhood in each of the following domains: biological, psychological, and social.
2. A proposal has been made in your state government to cut funding for physical education (PE) programs in its elementary schools by as much as 20%. As an elementary school social worker, you are aware of the biopsychosocial benefits of physical exercise during middle childhood.
Draft a letter below to your state legislature advocating against the proposal, citing the importance of PE programs in elementary schools based on the biopsychosocial advantages of physical exercise during this developmental period. Incorporate at least one argument that PE programs are beneficial on a more macro scale (e.g. they benefit families, schools, communities, etc…).