Physical Education's Role in the Pandemic

Sometimes it is quite inevitable that Physical Education or other specialised subjects take a back seat during this period of uncertainty. My hat is off to all the Physical Educators who had taken their time to create excellent lessons to help their students maintain their physical growth even though it is challenging at times.

Physical Education is 'educating through the physical means.' Physical educators share their knowledge and assist in the development physical competence as well as perform the varied sport activities. In addition, they share the knowledge in leading an active and healthy lifestyle.

With the coming of the pandemic, it means that student-contact is minimised. Though, I would encourage all physical educators to continue to strive and give their best in this period of uncertainty. Physical Education plays an important role in this unsettling times.

Evolve psychomotor and mind development

Physical education helps in one's physical development. All the complex movements that you see in the gymnastics routines, extreme sports and other sports starts off with the simple movements that are learn in physical education lessons. A simple 'Throw and Catch' game not assist in the development of motor skills but also the hand eye coordination which is transferable when the child is taking notes in other subject areas. Some other activities or games will help to increase the concentration and reaction time. Being nimble is good during this period as it helps to keep an eye on various options that being presented to us. Furthermore, the flexibility of the psychomotor helps the body and mind open to the feedbacks and opportunities too. All these within the comfort of your home.

Enhances values teaching

During this period of uncertainty, most of the activities that are created by physical educators assist in enhancing the values. Some of the notable values such as creativity, risking, caring, respect, loving and responsible (there are a lot more) can be transferred over to their lives during and once this pandemic is over. Physical Educators who allow their students to create new games with things that they have at home also encouraged resourcefulness and resilience too. These values are important to face the unknown future that we are currently facing. On a personal note, I do not wish to see a narcissistic leader who only wants to claim the 'good things' he done. The future leaders needs to have those values and what better way to start from a physical education session.

Encourage social cohesion

There are instances in the news whereby groups of certain ethnic groups are targeted and wrongfully accused of bringing the virus to where the people are residing now. Things get complicated when a leader is using it to deliver his daily speeches. In Physical Education, there is opportunity to go beyond inequalities, disability, nationality, age, and gender. Each student is given the equal respect and opportunity to express their ideas. Everyone else will have their turn and share their ideas while listening respectfully. The need for social cohesiveness is greater now due to the pandemic. Citizens of the world will work together for the attainment of shared goals designed and agreed upon to improve the living conditions for all. The need for an open dialogue and transparency in communication will certainly help in this cause and what better to begin in a physical education class.

Endeavour in reaching goals

The determination of reaching a goal can never be underestimated. In physical education classes, there will be certain goals which are often broken down in achievable components. Once a goal is achieved, further changes are made to make it more challenging but still attainable for the students. Students learn that they can break down their goals to reach their ultimate goal. In this period of uncertainty, there will be period of time when confusion, boredom, breakdowns, and disappointments will arise. However, with the endeavour, the goals can be achieved through making small success which ultimately assist in getting the overall goal.

The pandemic had definitely bring a halt to the world. Things might be rough at times. The importance of PE remains relevant. There is a silver lining in this period. Let us not forget that. Thank you to all frontliners, nurses, doctors, and others who brave the virus so that we can still be safe.

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