The Case for Physical Education and the Arts in Public Education

Physical education helps an individual stay healthy. A healthy student is going to be a better student. I recently read an article that suggested that sports like golf help people develop spatial skills which, in turn, lead to better mathematical skills. The article I read was discussing the fact that boys usually play these sports and this might be one of the reasons they appeared to be better at mathematics. Score cards must be added. An incorrect score can lead to disqualification. This is a real life consequence that drives home the need for good math skills. Golf also develops memory because all shots must be remembered for each hole. It sounds easy but, as with most things, it's not as easy as it looks. I also believe that the skills and instant decision making demands of sports develop an assertive individual who is better able to handle the rigors of mathematics and science. One of the most difficult tasks I face when I tutor algebra is getting the student to feel confident enough to manipulate problems in order to find a solution. I am not a wealthy person, but my husband and I are dedicated to providing our children with the best possible environment in which to grow. They participate in a number of different sports outside of school. They are both in excellent physical shape. Both of my children study music. They are better people and better students because of these experiences. Interestingly enough, my older son had the benefit of a wonderful music teacher five days a week during his early elementary years. By the time my younger son went to school, music was cut back. The difference in their knowledge is very apparent. We give up a lot to pay for their lessons, but at least we have the financial resources to do the things we want to do for our children. No everyone is as fortunate, but these are the experiences which make the kinds of citizens we want. Public school is often the only opportunity a child has to learn organized sports or study the arts. I will say this often in these articles. You get what you pay for. If you want the best, you have to be willing to pay for the best, not just with money but with time. You might not have had the benefit of music or physical training, and

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