Why is this topic important?

In 2018, Sophie took first place in the Take Me Outside video contest with her important message regarding her sentiment on PE.

Today, I still hear the same stories from kids, parents, and teachers.

Why do kids hate PE when it should be the “fun” class? Why is this class such a confidence buster, when it should be uplifting? Why do kids say they can’t wait to drop PE?

Sometimes these kids, who hate it with a passion, have active lives outside of school. Why is it then, that they can’t wait to drop “gym class” and the minute they can, they do? Is part of it because they get little to no credit for what they do outside of school (training, coaching, hiking, biking)? Is it that they are forced to perform on a playing field that is not fair or even in size, skills, and desire. Is it that educators are missing the mark? Is it that they are not equipped to deliver a positive experience for all? Isn’t the overall goal to promote a lifelong love of a physically active lifestyle? From the stories I hear, time and time again, it seems to me that the outcome isn’t aligned with the overall goal.

Perhaps it is time to engage in conversations and change the way we look at PE.

It is not an easy task, but it is one that requires feedback from parents, educators, experts in the field, and most importantly, the kids we are tying to engage in a lifelong love of active living.