SPARK
SPARK
I just finished reading Dr John Ratey’s new book SPARK. The book was awesome. I am not saying that just because my name was mentioned in the book. I just finished the book, but reading it once is not enough, because there is so much valuable information contained in the book, I need to go back with my high lighter and mark all the key points. (I will probably need two high lighters because there are so many important key points)
The book clearly validates the importance of physical education in our schools. I have never felt prouder of my profession, as I did when I finished reading SPARK.
For years, P.E. teachers knew the importance of physical education (better known as gym to the rest of the world). Now we have the research world, the science world, the medical world, and Harvard speaking for us.
Hopefully, Dr Ratey will become the voice of reason for the rest of the world, and through him (SPARK) the rest of the world will start to listen to our PE message.
At one point of the book, it was like “exercise” was on trial, and the information in SPARK was used as professional testimony. The judge ruled “exercise” was a legal viable option for improving quality of life. With the evidence produced at this trial, in the future we could legally hold schools accountable for endangering the safety and well being of children, if the schools did not offer quality daily PE.
Sometimes we (physical education teachers) set our goals, and measure our success, based on improving the fitness of students. Of course fitness is one of our major goals, but with exercise, we do so much more. After reading SPARK PE teachers will begin to really understand how truly important our curriculum is for children and physical education is the most powerful change agent affecting success and quality of life.
Just listing some of the chapters of the book begins to paint the picture of the significance of a quality physical education. A short summary of what we (PE teachers) do:
1. exercise will grow more brain cells
2. exercise will improve the ability to learn
3. exercise will reduce stress (how stressful is it to be a child today – especially obese children)
4. exercise will reduce anxiety
5. exercise will reduce depression (one of the fastest growing medical issue for American children)
6. exercise will have a very positive impact on ADHD (ADHD is problem that exercise can be part of the solution)
7. exercise can help fight addictions (think of all the types of addictions your students suffer from)
SPARK also creates a great defense for the value of “daily” PE in your schools
The list of scientific researched that proves that value of exercise goes on and on……….when the nation finds out that a quality physical education program can do “all” of these things for children, we should never see PE cut back or under funded in America again.
One subject area (PE) that can improve the health of children, improve their ability to learn, improve their behavior, mood, attitude, and quality of life will become the foundation of schools in the 21st century.
Educating people is the key to positive change……we (PE teachers) now have SPARK as a tool to educate the world about the value of quality PE.
Now here is your challenge…first you must read the book, and then start telling everyone else to read the book starting with your Superintendent, school board, parents, local doctors, community leaders, and anyone else that cares about children.
Once the SPARK of change starts in your community, remember to contact PE4life for the “proven plan” to help your community implement a quality PE program.
Let SPARK start the FIRE in you to make a difference in the lives of children in America, they desperately need our help.
School Health into the school corporations that our foundation covers. This program fits perfectly into the physical fitness component of CSH. I just ordered the new book on your website by Dr. Ratey too and I can't wait to read
it. I am so glad to have found this blog and to be able to learn from your experience and knowledge. Great stuff!!
I am a very physically active person. As a child I was a competitive swimmer, ran track, and did gymnastics. I continued to train and compete in college in both running (cross-country and track) and swim team. As an adult I did triathlons and long distance running including alot of sucessful racing.. I ran a couple marathons well under 3 hours. I am now 52 years old. I teach elementary P.E.,(I am a very active teacher) still do some running, yoga, and swim/compete with a master's swim team 5/6 nights a week. I am more active than anyone I know, I always have been. I consider myself to be of average intelligence. Does this mean I would have been hopelessly stupid if I had been less active during my life?
With my level of lifetime physical activity I should be some type of genious. I have definitely been rewarded with great health both mental and physical, but why aren't I smarter?
Sincerely,
Robin