Importance of Physical Education

I keep reading about how upset teachers are because children can't sit still. At the same time, I'm seeing articles about elementary schools eliminating physical-education programs. Is there a possible connection? - For P.E.
Answer: It probably doesn't take the results of hundreds of studies to convince parents that breaks for physical activities do have positive effects on children's behavior in school, especially for those who are hyperactive. There's also solid evidence that physical activity supports learning. After children have blown off steam on the playground or in a physical-education class, there is much less fidgeting and squirming in their seats, and they're more ready to concentrate on learning.
The unfortunate story is that both recess and physical education are rapidly disappearing from many elementary schools as principals are forced to cram more into the school day to meet higher academic standards. Plus, school boards are especially worried about liability if children are injured during recess.
There are strong arguments for having physical-education classes in elementary school, even when children already have recess time. First of all, not all children are active during recess. Few engage in sufficient aerobic activity to significantly increase their cardiorespiratory fitness. There are far more health benefits to P.E. programs where all the children take part in planned and structured exercise. This is very important in a country where too many children are sedentary and overweight.
Another significant benefit of physical-education class is that it can set the pattern for a lifetime of physical activity. In P.E., children improve their motor-skill competence and gain the knowledge necessary to participate in such activities as aerobics, jogging and sports.