Physical Education and Holistic Development

Guest Blog by Jose Bourget Tactuk from the Mahatma Gandhi Foundation

 

Physical Education and Holistic Development in Childhood

 

 Physical education is taught at the basic education level (K-8) to enhance proper physical development, to awaken motor skills and to promote adequate physical health. Classes often engage students in sports and in specific motor skills.

Recently, several scientific studies have enriched our understanding of the value of phys ed or gym classes noting that besides the physical benefits of proper physical development in childhood and

adolescence, there are also valuable contributions throughout the life span of the individual. This is mainly due to the fact that physical education (including sports) awakens an inner discipline that is essential for the development of the individual, for an enriched family life and for a productive participation in society. In other words, adequate physical education helps prepare students for a healthier, disciplined and productive life.

 

 Annette Snyder, principal of Las Terrenas International School (LTIS), believes that physical education is more than calisthenics or exercises, "it's core to the purpose of education as it encourages self-discipline and awakens in the student the courage to set and achieve goals." She adds, “that’s why we feel fortunate to have Sabine and Zeljko as phys ed teachers, because they are professionals and scientists in sports and physical fitness, with great experience in developing individual and team physical skills ."

Zeljko and Sabine Smičiklas joined the LTIS team in September 20 and have used their experience and knowledge to improve the habits and physical fitness of students by means of specialized techniques and skill-building tools. Jose Bourget (Ph.D. in education) is co-founder of LTIS and of the Mahatma Gandhi Foundation that supports the school, and he believes that "what Zeljko and Sabine do contributes to the holistic philosophy of the school because they lend support to the ideals of learning for the life span”. According to Bourget, individual monitoring of LTIS students meets the educational goals of the fledgling institution because "we seek to create a generation of children that are creative, critical thinkers, multilingual, multicultural and active participants in the creation of a fair, just and equitable society; hence the value of physical education that promotes self-discipline and holistic development."

 Professor Zeljko asserts that "basic motor skills such as speed, reaction time and endurance, as well as spatial intelligence and bodily responses are observed, tested, and trained individually throughout the year and discussed with parents when necessary, for the comprehensive physical development of children directly affects not only the student's physical development, but also the whole of the person—emotionally, socially and intellectually."

Professor Sabine, who does volunteer work in preschool and has three daughters enrolled at LTIS, says that "the most important discipline not only in formal education but for the entire life span is self-discipline, so it is essential that it begins at an early age through physical education and sports training."

 

 Parents interested in quality education should look carefully at the value of physical education and sports training in the development of their children. Physical education classes are often seen as lacking value when, in fact, they are extremely important for long-term personal success. This means that in addition to learning proper fitness, breathing, nutrition, health and specific sport skills, physical education also leads to a more successful, productive and committed life. This is another educational contribution of Las Terrenas International School, where in addition to its English immersion program and the presence of certified, experienced and professional teachers that are native English speakers, students can also develop their creativity, their thinking skills and crucial physical fitness habits and discipline.