PDHPE IS MORE THAN

SPORTMiss King’s reasons for

why PDHPE is important for 4K – A note for

parents.

PDHPE IS MY FAVOURITE!!

WHAT IS PDHPE?

• PDHPE is the study of Personal Development, Health and Physical Education.• PDHPE encompasses the development of a number of skills, including physical skills that

are involved in sports and other physical activities. However personal development issues are also discussed in this subject, allowing students to develop life skills.

• All PDHPE topics develop students skills in relation to problem solving, decision making, interacting with others, movement and communication. These skills are all imperative for students personal development.

• PDHPE tackles a number of topics that will assist students with the development of their personal values and morals, developing relationships with others, learning appropriate behaviours and ultimately learning how to lead a healthy lifestyle.

WHY IS PE IMPORTANT?

• Physical activity is an important aspect of PDHPE, it is the involvement of Physical Education (PE) , however the other key component is Personal Development and Health.

• Physical activity increases children’s bone density, and develops physical fitness which can reduce the risk of serious injury ( Sothern, Loftin, Suskind, Udall & Blecker, 1998).

• Physical activity has also been shown to increase concentration levels, “reduce tension, anxiety, depression and hostility” (Sothern et. al, p. 272, 1998). Similarly, Telford et. al. (2012) found that classroom PE lessons can increase students numeracy skills.

• Students are able to develop their problem-solving and decision making skills when they engage in different games, and learn the skills of the game in practice. This allows them to understand why specific skills are important for games as they are developed in context, rather than with simple skill drills (Pearson, Webb, McKeen, 2008).

• Therefore, PE is more than just physical activity, it is a key learning area that increases students development in a variety of areas as well as in the physical aspect.

WHATS ON FOR 4K IN PDHPE THIS TERM?

This term 4K are focusing on nutrition in our PDH lessons. Students are learning what foods are needed for a healthy balanced diet, and about making healthy choices at fast food restaurants. We will also cover issues such as diseases that can arise from, and are increased by an unhealthy diet such as diabetes and heart disease, and how these illnesses effect and limit the dietary choices of sufferers.Similarly, throughout the term we will be learning about cultural differences in regard to foods, and will experiment with some multicultural foods to increase students appreciation of multiculturalism. Lastly, we will discuss how the digestive system works, and specific foods and drinks that can help our digestive system function properly, and keep us healthy.

Due to the athletics carnival being held at the end of term, athletics is our PE focus this term. Students will develop a number of physical skills as they learn and practice the different athletic activities that will be offered at the carnival. I hope that all students will feel confident in their abilities at carnival time and will participate in as many events as they can.

A FINAL NOTEPDHPE is an important subject for students to study at school. It is essential that they are introduced to the concepts presented in PDHPE at a young age as they become aware of unhealthy behaviours and can thus combat any that may arise throughout their lifetime. Similarly, if we achieve fitness levels at an early age, students can continue to develop their skills and fitness and will thus increase their confidence. However, for this to occur, the school and parents must collaborate. PDHPE is does not explicitly develop numeracy, literacy or other academic skills, however these skills are developed through play, and the PDH lessons introduce important life skills, whilst skills from other academic areas are also enhanced. Students should achieve at least 1 hour of physical activity each day, and have a healthy balanced diet consisting of fruit, vegetables and water. Research has shown that students would appreciate a fruit and veggie snack break, and access to water bottles in class (Fitzgerald, Bunde-Birouste, Webster, 2009). I have asked 4K if they would appreciate this opportunity and as a result of a class vote we are now going to have a fruit and veggie snack break during class, and water bottles are permitted in the classroom. Therefore please pack your child some fruit and vegetables in their lunch box so that they can enjoy this healthy snack break with their friends, and return to class fresh, full and ready to learn!

THANK YOU

References

Fitzgerald, E., Bunde-Birouste, A., & Webster, E. (2009). Through the eyes of children: Engaging primary school-aged

children in creating supportive school environments for physical activity and nutrition. Health Promotion Journal of

Australia, 20(2), 127-132.

NSW Board of Studies (2007) Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE) K-6 Syllabus. Retrieved

from; http://k6.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au/wps/wcm/connect/6e4311c5-336e-44f8-8c39-e289d96597a8/

k6_pdhpe_syl.pdf?MOD=AJPERES

Pearson, P., Webb, P., & McKeen, K. (2008). Developing cognitive abilities through games: A conundrum? Australasian

Journal of Gifted Education, 17(1), 30-37.

Sothern, M. S., Loftin, M., Suskind, R. M., Udall, J. N., & Blecker, U. (1999). The health benefits of physical activity in

children and adolescents: Implications for chronic disease prevention. European Journal of Pediatrics, 158(4), 271-274.

Telford, R. D., Cunningham, R. B., Fitzgerald, R., Olive, L. S., Prosser, L., Jiang, X., & Telford, R. M. (2012). Physical

education, obesity, and academic achievement: A 2-year longitudinal investigation of Australian elementary school

children. American Journal of Public Health, 102(2), 368-374.