Hi, my name is Alicia Nelson. In the spring of 2006, I graduated from Minnesota State University Moorhead with an undergraduate degree in physical education. I am currently a graduate student at the University of North Dakota studying Kinesiology, and am also the Assistant Women's Fastpitch Coach for the Fighting Sioux.

This month's Coaching & Sport section is dedicated to celebrating national physical education and sports. I feel my life experiences thus far have been a continual celebration of PE and sport. I believe exercise is an essential part of everyday life, and that every child can develop a love for physical activity. This belief is deep-rooted and started with the help of positive influences such as my parents, teachers, and friends.

Growing up, I was surrounded by many active individuals. My dad was always willing to drive me to the nearest park, play catch in the front yard, or take a scenic bike ride. My friends were also very energetic. Each day after school we would get together for a game of football, baseball, or kickball. At school, my elementary gym teacher was always looking for new ways to get his students excited about exercise and physical activity. He taught me many things about fitness and what it meant to be healthy. He led new and interesting activities that kept even the least active children involved and lively.

These influences have guided me into the field of physical education in hopes to help children understand the importance of a physically active lifestyle.

Below you will find a number of articles, links, and various other resources to help you make the most of celebrating national physical education and sport.

In the first section, I discuss "New PE," a relatively new program dedicated to providing youth fun, fitness-based tools for staying in shape for the rest of their lives. A number of news articles about New PE have been included to demonstrate the wide-scale benefits of this program.

In the next section is some information on other innovative PE programs, including SPARK (Sports, Play, and Active Recreation for Kids) and CATCH (Coordinated Approach to Child Health). Check out a recent study from the California Department of Education that evaluates the link between academic performance and physical fitness.

In the final section, I offer a number of ideas, links, and articles for advice on raising fit kids. Many of the activities could also be integrated into a physical education curriculum. Best of wishes to everyone on closing out another academic year. Feel free to contact me if you have any comments or questions.

Alicia Nelson
Guest, Coaching & Sports Editor

Exercise is shaping the future! With the help of "New PE," a fitness based physical education program, children all over the county are learning valuable tools that will enable them to stay active for a lifetime! As obesity levels continue to rise each year, New PE is making fitness fun while teaching skills and habits that all students can take with them into adulthood.

Looking back on the past, gym class was a very unpleasant experience for those who lacked athleticism. Whether it was hard hitting games of dodgeball, getting picked last for the team, or fitness testing that “highlighted” each student’s capabilities, gym class was a humiliating time for many. It primarily consisted of team sports that many students did not continue to participate in after high school. Today, New PE programs emphasize knowledge and skills for a lifetime of physical activity. All students are able to actively participate, regardless of their abilities. New PE focuses on setting fitness goals, learning healthy habits, and cooperative/interactive games. It also incorporates classes like math, writing, and science into the physical education realm. Technology is integrated into the curriculum through the use of heart rate monitors, pedometers, and computer-based fitness stations. With these tools, students can be graded on how well they stay within their heart rate zone or by how much they improve each day, rather than comparing their skills to the rest of the class. New PE is regarded as a catalyst that will turn around childhood obesity through its innovative philosophy.

According to Seattle Public Schools Physical Education Department New PE…

For additional information on New PE, take a look at these articles:

• New Phys Ed Favors Fitness over Sport
• The New Physical Education
• The New PE 'Life' Sports Are Emphasized Instead of the Team Concept so that No Child is Left Out

SPARK (Sports, Play, and Active Recreation for Kids)

SPARK is an innovative K- 6 PE program currently being used in 700 schools across 16 states. The program emphasizes the use of small teams to help build both athletic and social skills.

For example, in a SPARK softball game, teams are made up of just five players. When a batter hits the ball, fielders must toss it to every player before the batter reaches home. This keeps everyone involved and active in the game, and leads to less goofing off, according to teachers who use the program. Soccer is different, too, played on mini-fields by teams of three. SPARK aims to teach kids self-control and acceptance of personal difference; concepts that can benefit classroom management in other subjects.

CATCH PE (Coordinated Approach to Child Health)

CATCH PE is used in more than 1,000 schools in 30 states. In a three-year trial at 96 elementary schools, CATCH PE was employed to improve children’s health, especially cholesterol levels, by reducing saturated fat in school lunches and increasing time spent engaged in moderate to vigorous activity during PE. This program also has a "substantial classroom component" focused on family intervention, smoking prevention, and nutrition.

Why Children Need Physical Education

Improved Physical Fitness
Improves children's muscular strength, flexibility, muscular endurance, body composition and cardiovascular endurance.

Skill Development
Develops motor skills, which allow for safe, successful and satisfying participation in physical activities.

Regular, healthful physical activity
Provides a wide-range of developmentally appropriate activities for all children.

Support of other Subject Areas
Reinforces knowledge learned across the curriculum and serves as a lab for application of content in science, math and social studies.

Self Discipline
Facilitates development of student responsibility for health and fitness.

Improved judgment
Quality physical education can influence moral development. Students have the opportunity to assume leadership, cooperate with others, question actions and regulations, and accept responsibility for their own behavior.

Stress reduction
Physical activity provides an outlet for releasing tension and anxiety, and facilitates emotional stability and resilience.

Strengthened peer relationships
Physical education can be a major force in helping children socialize with others successfully and providing opportunities to learn positive people skills. Particularly during late childhood and adolescence, participating in dances, games, and sports is an important part of peer culture.

Improved self-confidence and self-esteem
Physical education instills a stronger sense of self-worth in children based on their mastery of skills and concepts in physical activity. They can become more confident, assertive, independent and self-controlled.

Experience Setting Goals
Physical education gives children the opportunity to set and strive for personal, achievable goals.

Physically fit kids perform better academically!

A new study from the California Department of Education proves that physically fit kids perform better academically. The California Education Code requires physical education for all students in grades one through nine, plus one additional year in high school. Students in grades one through six are required to have 200 minutes of physical education every 10 school days, and students in grades seven through twelve are required to have 400 minutes every 10 school days. In the study, reading and mathematics scores were matched with fitness scores of 353,000 fifth graders, 322,000 seventh graders, and 279,000 ninth graders. Below are some of the key findings:

	Higher achievement was associated with higher levels of fitness at each of the three grade levels measured.
	The relationship between academic achievement and fitness was greater in mathematics than in reading, particularly at higher fitness levels.
	Students who met minimum fitness levels in three or more physical fitness areas showed the greatest gains in academic achievement at all three grade levels.
	Females demonstrated higher achievement than males, particularly at higher fitness levels.

According to NAPSE (National Association for Sport and Physical Education) children should get the following amounts of minimum daily activity.

• Toddler   1 ½ hours
• Preschool   2 hours
• School Age   1 hour

Here are some tips from Kids Health on raising a "fit kid."

	Help your child participate in a variety of activities that are right for his or her age.
	Establish a regular schedule for physical activity.
	Incorporate activity into daily routines, such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator, or running to the car instead of walking.
	Embrace a healthier lifestyle yourself, so you'll be a positive role model for your family.

Keep fitness fun, so you can count on your child to come back for more!! Below are some activities that you and your children can participate in together!

Rock climb at the local fitness center - This is a great full-body workout! For you beginners out there, rock climbing lessons are available at most fitness centers. Here's a little tip; use your legs as much as possible and don’t look down!

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