This winter Millbrook High School was fortunate enough to receive a grant from the local Millbrook Schools Foundation to purchase snowshoes for our physical education classes. Observing the students during their first time on snowshoes was an uplifting experience that has led me to see the true value of physical education in schools. Physical education is integral to developing the whole student through fun activities that build a child’s self-esteem, good character and leadership skills.

Snowshoeing is the perfect example of how a fun activity in physical education class can lead to healthier and happier students. When the weather finally relented last month to allow for some outside activity, students were beyond excited to try out a new activity. The snowshoes enabled students to be outside during a long cold winter, and they were squealing with delight. The excitement was palpable and contagious. Kids who typically show no enthusiasm for schooling were the first ones ready to go!

Most students had not been on snowshoes before. This led to some new challenges such as getting on their snowshoes for the first time and then getting over some clumsy first steps. However, that didn’t stop any of them! In fact, every student who fell, got back up with a smile on their face and was laughing and having a good time. Even though snowshoeing is an individual sport, students were reaching out to each other for help and support. The high level of cooperation and caring that I witnessed between students was impressive. They proved to themselves that with a little perseverance, and a little teamwork they could each enjoy the activity. It was rewarding to watch students who are typically unhappy in traditional classes trek ahead and exclaim, “What a great day of school it was.”

Charlotte Kelso in the Importance of Physical Education, http://www.veanea.org/home/1000.htm discusses the psychological benefits of a quality physical education program, and I couldn’t agree more. With unique units like snowshoeing, the physical education teachers at Millbrook High School (@stolly23 and @dannyfunk23) have created a dynamic program that teaches students how to master their fears, develop self-confidence and set goals for their future.

What fun and unique activities happen in your school?