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The history of physical education dates back to ancient Greece, where competition and intensity were second nature. During this time, physical education proved to be important because it was a necessity in training both Greek soldiers and athletes. For children, physical education and training would begin when they were around seven years old, with the goal being to eventually have them be well-skilled in activities like boxing, chariot races, and more. By the mid-19th century, physical education would make its way to the United States. The reasoning was similar to that of what the Greeks were using it for, which was to both educate and train soldiers for eventual battle. However, over the course of time, physical education would develop into something much more monumental.

Schools across the country would begin to take health-related topics more seriously, both on the playground and in the classroom, and courses targeted toward physical development would be given more attention. Colleges would follow suit as well, and schools all over the United States would eventually offer a variety of courses that would help to grow the physical ability, give a true understanding of the human body, and increase confidence among America’s youth.

Originally, physical education programs in the United States saw girls mostly involved with gymnastics, while the boys would partake in rougher activities. However, over time, both male and female individuals would become educated on elements such as body composition, flexibility, nutrition, and endurance.
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Which country started first physical education?

The history of physical education dates back to ancient Greece, where competition and intensity were second nature. During this time, physical education proved to be important because it was a necessity in training both Greek soldiers and athletes. For children, physical education and training would begin when they were around seven years old, with the goal being to eventually have them be well-skilled in activities like boxing, chariot races, and more. By the mid-19th century, physical education would make its way to the United States. The reasoning was similar to that of what the Greeks were using it for, which was to both educate and train soldiers for eventual battle. However, over the course of time, physical education would develop into something much more monumental.

Schools across the country would begin to take health-related topics more seriously, both on the playground and in the classroom, and courses targeted toward physical development would be given more attention. Colleges would follow suit as well, and schools all over the United States would eventually offer a variety of courses that would help to grow the physical ability, give a true understanding of the human body, and increase confidence among America’s youth.

Originally, physical education programs in the United States saw girls mostly involved with gymnastics, while the boys would partake in rougher activities. However, over time, both male and female individuals would become educated on elements such as body composition, flexibility, nutrition, and endurance.
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Which country is well known in the history of physical health education?

Therefore, Greece has the longest tradition of physical education. The ancient Greek believed that physical education enhanced both the mind and personal character.
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What is the importance of physical education in our country?

Physical education provides cognitive content and instruction designed to develop motor skills, knowledge, and behaviors for physical activity and physical fitness. Supporting schools to establish physical education daily can provide students with the ability and confidence to be physically active for a lifetime.
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What was the first form of physical education?

The brief history of physical education would start in just about 1820 when schools focused on gymnastics, hygiene training and care and development of the human body. By the year 1950, over 400 institutes had introduced majors in physical education.
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Who start the physical education in India?

For this whole credit goes to Harry Crowe Buck. He established the Olympic movement in India. He is also called The Father of Physical Education in India.
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Who is called the father of physical education of India?

For this entire credit score is going to Harry Crowe Buck. He set up the Olympic motion in India. He is likewise referred to as The Father of Physical Education in India.
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In which country physical education is called Physical Culture?

Physical culture was a movement in the 19th century in countries like Germany, the UK, and the USA. This period saw a rising trend of participation in physical education, usage of equipment such as Indian clubs, dumbbells, and medicine balls, and the rise of health clubs, popularly known today as gyms.

1. Physical culture, though not well known played a huge part in world history, to the point where old apparatus used can be found today in the Joe and Betty Weider Museum of Physical Culture.
2. Despite the lack of modern sports medicine knowledge, the roots of physical culture lie in ‘ systems’,
3. A system today is the equivalent of a structured exercise program offered in gyms and by personal trainers.

Systems saw a rise due to the physical culture being a profitable venture and competitions at national and international levels. They continued to be a major source of information about fitness until the late 1900s. Many prominent figures such as the father of modern bodybuilding Eugen Sandow, George Hebert, and Bernarr MacFadden propagated their systems to help people become fitter.

These systems were based on trial and error, and cultural influences. India, too, underwent a physical cultural revolution but did not see as much success as western countries. There are a few forgotten heroes who made significant achievements and made a mark on Indian physical culture in those early years.

Let us take a look at a few of them.
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What is the importance of physical education in modern world class 11th?

Physical education makes the immunity of our body stronger and so makes body more beautiful. Man’s body develops very naturally from the prenatal stage to the old age. When this natural development is accompanied with some physical exercises it improves the energy level of the body.
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What is physical education in ancient nation?

The vital point of aristocratic culture was physical training; in a sense, it was sport. The children were prepared for various sport competitions under the supervision of a paidotribes (a physical education teacher) and learned horse riding, discus and javelin throwing, long jumping, wrestling and boxing.
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Which century has physical education?

Regular teaching of physical education is evidenced by the early 20th century. Later (in 1874 at secondary schools and in 1883 at lyceums) physical education became a compulsory subject at other schools.
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What is the name of the first city to require PE in school?

The History Of Physical Education timeline.

Educational reformer Johann Bernhard Basedow develops and begins the first daily physical training in a school. Basedow developed a daily plan and gave the outline and the proper supervision to a teacher to ensure that the exercises were taught properly. The first recorded modern P.E teacher was Johan Friedrich Simon. He was apart of the curriculm at Johnann Bernhard Basedow’s school in Dessau,Germany. The curriculm of the physical education was primarilty gymnastics but also consisted of other sports like fencing and horseback riding. Denmark was the first European nation to mandate mandatory physical education in its school. The bill, known as Denmarks Bill of 1814 made P.E a mandatory part of its school curriculum. gymnastics was the base of the teaching guidlines and curriculum. in 1823 Catherine Beecher opened Hartford Seminary. This was a private school for girls that introduced and taught many forms of aerobics and even weighed out food before the girls ate their meals. This was one of the first schools that allowed and directed a healthy and physical lifestyle at females.
• Charles Beck became the first P.E teacher in america.
• He modeled his methods after that of Friederich Jahns system.
• While Beck was working as a latin teacher in Massachusetts he developed the first outdoor gymnasium and with it a gymnastics program, the first in U.S The first college, in the united states, to have a gymnasium was Harvard.

It was established by the well known Charles beck and Charles Follen who are also known for many other progressions in the Physical education world in the United States. The first YMCA to open, in the united states, was in 1851 in Boston,Ma. YMCA stands for the Young Men’s christian association. The main goal of this organization is to motivate and educate the youth of the world. This, however, was not the first YMCA. Its original start began in London, England and as times progressed and the importance of a healthy lifestyle progressed it eventually made its way to America.

Until this time P.E was not a mandatory part of any schools curriculum. Well, in 1853 Boston became the first city to require and mandated that P.E become a daily part of the curriculm for all the schools within the city limits. Once Boston made this crucial decsion is was not long before other cities around the country began implementing the same policy.

Up until this no state had mandated that their be a Physical education program within its schools curriculum. Individual cities had passed ordinances mandating P.E, but no state as a whole had taken the step forward requireing it state wide. In 1866 California took that step forward and became the first state to require all schools in the state to have P.E be apart of the curriculum with the goal of keeping kids active and educating them on Physucal educatiom. Just like the YMCA, the YWCA started in europe long before it made its way over to America. But with the success of the YMCA a group of women got together and created a similar association that was geared toward empowering young women. In current times neither programs are gender specific, but both programs aim to empower youth and educate and guide them into a strong and healthy lifestyle. This organizations main goal was to assist people involved in the health, P.E, fitness and other recreational activities with the hopes of helping to achieve healthier lifestyles. Their goal was to support those trying to eduate other in leading a healthy lifestyle.

This group became the largest and oldest organization that supported on the level that it did and does. This group did and continues to do many greta things for the advancement of P.E. One of the significant aspects of this group is it supported the gymnastics foundation at the time, which was the basis of P.E during this time period.

It also paved the way for an increase on intercollegiate athletes due to an increase in P.E courses. This conference brought to light and became the first time the profession of P.E recieved National Attention. The conference was to show support and interest in the field of physical training.

The end result of this conference clarified the many ideologies and theories of P.E, Health, and physical training in the United states. The national education association developed the 7 cardinal principles of secondary education. The one that highled the world of physical education was that children need recreational skills and positive attitudes toward exercise.

By educated our children in this way it would enhance their use of leisure. This is where the statement “P.E promotes a Healthy lifestyle” first began. Established in 1946, this was the first School of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation in the United States. The NAIA is an association that organizes college and university athletic programs. currently today the NAIA sponsors 23 national championships in the united states and when it was developed in 1952 many sports for the first time had national sponsorship. many of these sports were golf,tennis and outdoor track. in 1954 brown vs the board of education granted black students equal educational opportunities as that of white people. This was a milestone for physical education because up until this point black children did not recieve the kind of training and leisure time as that of white kids.

With this ruling black children would now recieve equal opportunity in not only your maths, reading, etc. but also in the area of Physical education. this is an advisory committee that was created in 1956. volunteer citizens comunicate with the president via the secretary of health and human services about physical fitness, health and sports in America.

The councils main goal is to make physical activity, sports and health fun and enjoyable for all age groups. this award was created by president Lyndon B. Johnson in 1966. These are awards that were created by the presidents council of youth fitness. The main goal of these awards was to motivate kids to get active. There are many different awards that can be won all that have qualified standars.

• Those children that meet and pass the fitness test gets an award with the presidents signature This law, enacted in 1967 ensured that kids with disabilities also received eduation in the are of heath and P.E.
• Especially in the motor skills and coordination areas of physical education.
• This law guaranteed that funds would be available for reasearch and training in the adapted physical eductaion.

the first special olympics were held at soldier field in chicago in the year of 1968. This organization is geared towards children and adults with intellectual disabilities. The organization offers year round training in a variety of different sports. The copetitions, or olympics are held every day on many different levels including local, national and regional. in june of 1972 president nixon signed into law what was to be known as title IX. This would be apart of the education amendment of 1972. title IX is a federal law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in any program activity that is federally funded.

1. This law enabled both male and females to get the same educational benefits and greatly changed the world of P.E.
2. Until this point many females did not get the smae treatment or education in P.E.
3. Funding in all areas was now equal.
4. This was another law that showed support for youth with discabilities.

This law guaranteed that all youth with disabilities would get education to the fullest degree. this included P.E and began many new fundings for the physical education curriculum for handicapped youth. in 1983 the month of may became known as “May Month”.

It was named the month of national physical fitness and sports month. During this month many schools highlight the importance of physical activity and physical education. the instructors who are guiding and educating our youth on the importance of a healthy lifestyle are many times honored within the school.

many times schools will have event days that are directed at being active and healthy. in 1989 ther SPARK program. This is a research based and public health organization that promotes lifelong wellness. It aims to educate kids in school at an early age to set a pattern that they will carry into adulthood and will forever maintain a healthy life.

The program sets a basis and curriculum based on age and other factors. Today spark is known as one of the best and most successful curriculum programs in schools passed by president bush in 2011. No child left behind aimed to give kids more time in school dedicated in the areas of math and reading. This act was devestating for the world of P.E.

this bill cut leisure time and many of the P.E programs within schools. Many schools now dont even require P.E as a part of daily curriculum. This bill also eliminated many jobs in the P.E and health programs in schools. in 2004 public law 108-265 was written and passed.

This law required school districts who were federally funded under the meals program to begin addressing nutrition and physical activity. This law mandated that any school who’s meal program was funded federally to have a health and physical education program within its curriculum. this is a program that sets standards and goals for over a 10 year period.

so it is updated every 10 years. It states where we are physically as a nation and where the goal is to be over the next 1o years. in 2020 the goals will be updated and revised. This program is great in that it allows us to view where we are as a nation and where we need to strive to be. in 2011 the reports were released that we as a country were more overweight than we have ever been. which is scray given that information and opportunities to maintain a healthy lifestyle are also at an all time high. currently 1/3 of our youth are overweight and adult percentages are even higher.

: The History Of Physical Education timeline.
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When did physical education start in India?

Physical education plays a key role in the development of a student’s life. It helps in developing students’ competence and confidence, and helps them to take part in a wide range of physical activities that are crucial to their lives— both in and out of school.

The importance of physical education programs is to help students to develop a wide range of skills as well as gives them the ability to use tactics, strategies, and newer ideas to perform successfully both at home and school. In India it is considered that Health and Physical Education must continue to be a compulsory subject from the primary, to the secondary stages, and as an optional subject at the higher secondary stage.

However, it needs to be given equal status with other subjects, a status that is not being given at present. To transact the curriculum effectively, it is essential to ensure that the minimum essential physical space and equipment are available in every school and that doctors and medical personnel visit the school regularly.

1. A typical day at in an Indian School begins with all the students marching on the school grounds followed by regular callisthenics.
2. Two classes of physical training periods are compulsory for each student every week.
3. Apart from learning the intricacies of various games, sports and physical education, the students develop physical stamina essential to life.

We also believe in the motto, “A school which plays together, stays together.” Many welfares are obtainable from physical education and there are a few schools that have managed to strike the balance between academics and physical fitness. Schools in India that provides physical education of all-around growth and sports from an early age have understood the importance and that sports help in the development of bones and muscles.

It also helps to keep you active, healthy, fit and prevents obesity. So, keeping in mind Indian scholars and researchers focused on physical education. Historical point of view physical education starts after 1820 when a school concentrates on gymnastics, hygiene training care and development of the human body.

In the year 1950, over 400 institutes of physical education had introduced. In the time of the Vedic Period, common sports in India were archery, horse riding, hunting, military fights and chariot-race. Physical activity was not for pleasure, but was preparation for war.

1. Yoga began in the Vedic Period.
2. Pranayama being an example.
3. Pranayama is a breath control exercise.
4. In the Epic Period, Indian manipulation can be found in the Ramayana and Mahabharata developed during the period.
5. Both Mahabharata and Ramayana reveal that this is the period of great disturbance and wars.

They promoted mind gaming like “dice” and “chess”. Physical Education was a compulsory during that time. Archery, javelin, animal fights, wrestling were the main physical activities of Epic period. Nalanda Period was a great learning period, where perceiving education was the different corners of the world.

In this period physical education was at its peak, students studied physical education for keeping physically and mentally strong and also maintained good health. It was the duty of everybody to perform Pranayama and Suryanamaskar every morning without any exception, during the whole year. In the Rajput Period, the main sports were hunting, swimming and animal fighting.

During the Muslim period, animal fighting was very popular The growth and development of physical education in India in Modern times goes to pre-Independence days.Y.M.C.A College of physical education Madras established in 1920, by Mr H.C Buck. Since this college was working to promote and systematized physical education in India.

1. In the year 1914 Vaidya brothers established Sir Hanuman Vyayam Prasarak Mandal in Amaravati.
2. This college was established with the sole purpose of the development of physical education in India.
3. In Modern India, the development of physical education was at its top. Govt.
4. Of India founded the Tarachand committee in the year 1948.

Ministry of education, Govt. of India, established the central advisory board of physical education in 1954, meanwhile in the same year All India Council of sport was established with the express purpose of suggesting the development of physical education.

• The founder of the National Discipline Scheme was General Bhonsle.
• He developed National Discipline Scheme in the year 1954, he was deputy minister of the Rehabilitation centre.
• Lakshmibai College of physical education played a special role in the development of physical education in India, which was opened in 1957.

In the year 1958 sports and youth welfare department was opened. In the year 1960 Koul Kapoor committee was deputed to Rome Olympics, and the National Institute of sports of Patiala was established in 1961 at Moti Bagh. In 1965 new venture called as National Fitness corps was set up.

In 1970 Rural-sports tournament scheme was launched National sports championship for women were started by Govt. of India in the year 1975. So, we can say that the main development of physical education has happend in the modern time in Indian history. And the importance of physical education for every section of people in the modern society is set on the, Optimum development of child’s physical growth, Intellectual development, Emotional development, Social development, Personal development, Character building, Physical fitness, Development as a disciplined citizen of the country, Neuromuscular development, Cultural development, Developing leadership qualities, Healthy and safe environment, Development of national integration and Better international understanding.

In this 21 st century, COVID-19 has affected the lives of nearly every person around the world. The difference between personal or professional lives has narrowed due to work-from-home. People have also been pondering over a vital concern being at home, i.e., the importance of their health and fitness.

The sudden lockdown badly affected people’s life style, mental and physical health. Since the onset of this disease, people been confined to their homes, which has not only resulted in various psychological health issues but also challenged their physical fitness and health. But nowadays Physical Education activity classes are given in online.

Educators need to be trained in a web-based environment before their online teaching. It is not easy to conduct online practical classes. The practical exercises, or activities, including yoga, dance sports, swimming, and aerobic dance, are today happening on web-based modes: video or real-time lecture.

1. The study physical education and sports is not a discussion of performance, technique or records but to look at some of the unexpressed assumptions held by the general population about physical education and sports.
2. Sport generally has been looked at as a diversion from the division of everyday life.

Regular exercises and playing games help the body and mind to deal with the lifestyle. Disease, such as stress, strain, worry, anxiety and tension. The need and importance of physical education may be understood in several ways which describe the different kinds of requirements for various sections of society.
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What is the history of physical education in China?

Abstract – With the drastic changes in the historical context, political and social reconstructions played a significant role in the formation of the contemporary education system in China as well as other countries around the world. Based on the chronicled outline of past revolutions in the Chinese society, this paper aims to provide a broad historical overview of the history and development of physical education (PE) in China since the founding of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in 1949.

The process of PE reform in China occurred in four distinct stages, including the Initial Establishment Stage (1949 to 1956), the Exploration Period (1956 to 1966), the Regression Era (1966 to 1976), and the Era of Renaissance and Transformation (1979 to present). This historical review describes the development of PE as a curriculum area across these four critical periods and includes an analysis of historical contexts, policies, faculty training, curriculum settings, and pedagogical content in PE.

This paper focuses mainly on PE within elementary and secondary schools in China, accompanied by a brief introduction to college PE in China. Through an examination of the four distinct stages of PE reform in China, a comprehensive understanding of the overall development of PE within these historical periods is presented.
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What is physical education in India?

https://www.urbanpro.com/a/physical-education-india-the-importance-of-physical-education-in-schools/2652918 https://www.urbanpro.com/a/wp-content/plugins/wordpress-23-related-posts-plugin/static/thumbs/18.jpg UrbanPro https://www.urbanpro.com/assets/new-ui/sharing_job.png https://www.facebook.com/UrbanProApp https://twitter.com/urbanproapp Physical education in India is often a neglected part of education and many schools across the country do not realize the importance of having physical education as a part of the system.

1. There are many benefits that are available from physical education and there are a few schools that have managed to strike the balance between academics and physical fitness.
2. Some of the benefits of having a physical education in India are Proper Physical Growth Schools that provide physical education from an early age have understood the importance of all round growth.

Physical education helps in development of muscles and bones and children kept fit from an early age. Obesity is a problem among many children and this can be partly solved by stressing on physical education. Obesity can lead to many problems such as diabetes, heart problems and imbalances in hormones in children.

Encouraging physical education in schools will help to contain the problem of obesity to an extent. Children who are enrolled in some form of sport or the other reap the benefits in the long run. Growing Future Sportsmen Some children show signs of interest in sports from an early age and these prodigies should be encouraged and given the proper amount of guidance in schools.

In India several children are restricted from playing sports, despite showing signs of early excellence. With proper support and systems in place children will be able to bring out the best in themselves and they may even go on to represent the country at some point in the future.

Thus, encouraging physical education India is important and schools must realize the potential benefits that can be achieved from just a few hours of activity every day. Escape From Routine Physical education in India also serves to distract the children from a set routine and provides an escape from the tedious hours in a classroom.

Short periods of physical activity can be a good way to relieve some of the pressure that is bound to build up in a classroom. Stress relief Children have to cope with different types of pressure in a classroom and also among their friends, and engaging in some form of physical activity can be a good way to relieve some of this stress.

After a stressful day at school, playing some form of sport is a good way to release some steam. Confidence building Excellence in some form of sport or physical activity will provide children with confidence. Introverted children will be able to express themselves through sports and this is one of the main aspects of physical education in India.

Children who are allowed to take part in inter schools games and sporting events, meet new people and this builds confidence and also builds a sense of companionship and camaraderie. Children who take part in team sports will be able to visualize themselves as being a part of a group and this will be beneficial when they are a part of work groups in the future.
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Who said that physical education is education?

PHYSICAL EDUCATION IN THE CONTEXT OF SCHOOLING – Physical education became a subject matter in schools (in the form of German and Swedish gymnastics) at the beginning of the 19th century ( Hackensmith, 1966 ). Its role in human health was quickly recognized.

• By the turn of the 20th century, personal hygiene and exercise for bodily health were incorporated in the physical education curriculum as the major learning outcomes for students ( Weston, 1962 ).
• The exclusive focus on health, however, was criticized by educator Thomas Wood (1913 ; Wood and Cassidy, 1930 ) as too narrow and detrimental to the development of the whole child.

The education community subsequently adopted Wood’s inclusive approach to physical education whereby fundamental movements and physical skills for games and sports were incorporated as the major instructional content. During the past 15 years, physical education has once again evolved to connect body movement to its consequences (e.g., physical activity and health), teaching children the science of healthful living and skills needed for an active lifestyle ( NASPE, 2004 ).

1. Sallis and McKenzie (1991) published a landmark paper stating that physical education is education content using a “comprehensive but physically active approach that involves teaching social, cognitive, and physical skills, and achieving other goals through movement” (p.126).
2. This perspective is also emphasized by Siedentop (2009), who states that physical education is education through the physical.

Sallis and McKenzie (1991) stress two main goals of physical education: (1) prepare children and youth for a lifetime of physical activity and (2) engage them in physical activity during physical education. These goals represent the lifelong benefits of health-enhancing physical education that enable children and adolescents to become active adults throughout their lives.
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Who started physical education in Germany?

The first roots of German physical education were marked by the publication of J.C. Schnepfenthal in the 1780s (see GutsMuths 1793).
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Who is the founder of physical education and when it was founded?

Friedrich Jahn is the father of physical education. In the 1800s, He began his teaching a program that was comprised of outdoor physical activities to the students of the secondary school.
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Which countries introduced physical education programs into schools during 1800’s?

Historical Perspectives – From the late 1700s to the mid-1800s, three nations–Germany, Sweden, and England–influenced the early development of physical education in the United States. German immigrants introduced the Turner Societies, which advocated a system of gymnastics training that utilized heavy apparatus (e.g., side horse, parallel and horizontal bars) in the pursuit of fitness.

1. In contrast, the Swedish system of exercise promoted health through the performance of a series of prescribed movement patterns with light apparatus (e.g., wands, climbing ropes).
2. The English brought sports and games to America with a system that stressed moral development through participation in physical activities.

The influence of these three nations laid the foundation for sport and physical education in America. The 1800s were an important time for the inclusion of physical education in schools across America. The Round Hill School, a private school established in 1823 in Northampton, Massachusetts, was the first to include physical education as an integral part of the curriculum.

In 1824 Catherine Beecher, founder of the Hartford Female Seminary, included calisthenics in her school’s curriculum and “was the first American to design a program of exercise for American children” (Lumpkin, p.202). She also advocated the inclusion of daily physical education in public schools. However, physical education was not offered in the public schools until 1855, when Cincinnati, Ohio, became the first city school system to offer this type of program to children.

In 1866 California became the first state to pass a law requiring twice-per-day exercise periods in public schools. Beecher’s influence started the American system of exercise, and, along with her contemporaries Dio Lewis, Edward Hitchcock, and Dudley Allen Sargent, she was an early leader in physical education.

1. In the profession’s early years, between 1855 and 1900, there were several debates, referred to as the Battle of the Systems, regarding which system (American, Swedish, German, or English) could best provide a national physical education program for America.
2. During the 1890s traditional education was challenged by John Dewey and his colleagues, whose educational reforms led to the expansion of the “three R’s” to include physical education.

It was also during this time that several normal schools (training schools for physical education teachers) were established. All of these schools offered a strong background in the sciences that included courses in anatomy and physiology, with many of the early professors holding medical degrees.

In 1893 Thomas Wood stated that “the great thought of physical education is not the education of the physical nature, but the relation of physical training to complete education, and then the effort to make the physical contribute its full share to the life of the individual” (National Education Association, p.621).

During the early twentieth century, several educational psychologists, including Dewey, Stanley G. Hall, and Edward Thorndike, supported the important role of children’s play in a child’s ability to learn. In line with the work of Wood in physical education, and the theoretical work of prominent educational psychologists, The New Physical Education was published in 1927 by Wood and Rosalind Cassidy, who advocated education through the physical.

1. This position supported the thesis that physical education contributed to the physical well-being of children, as well as to their social, emotional, and intellectual development.
2. However, Charles McCloy argued against this expanded role of physical education, arguing that education of the physical, which emphasized the development of skills and the maintenance of the body, was the primary objective of physical education.

The testing of motor skills was a part of McCloy’s contribution to physical education, and his philosophy of testing paralleled the scientific movement in education. The evolution of physical education, along with other educational professions, reflected contemporary changes in society.

1. Throughout the early twentieth century, into the 1950s, there was a steady growth of physical education in the public schools.
2. During the early 1920s many states passed legislation requiring physical education.
3. However, shifts in curricular emphasis were evident when wars occurred and when the results of national reports were published.

For example, as a result of the bombing of Pearl Harbor and the United States’ entrance into World War II, the emphasis in physical education shifted from games and sport to physical conditioning. Similar curricular shifts were noted in 1953 when the Kraus-Weber study found that American children were far less fit than their European counterparts.

As a result of this report, the President’s Council on Physical Fitness was established to help combat the falling fitness levels of America’s youth. During the 1950s and the 1960s, physical education at the elementary level experienced tremendous growth. Today, many physical education programs emphasize overall fitness, referred to as wellness, as well as skill development.

However, since the 1970s the number of schools offering daily physical education has drastically decreased–1995 statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show a drop from 43 percent in 1991 to 25 percent in 1995.
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