See that picture? This is the body of a kid with great genes. Genes meant for highly athletic achievement- in swimming, walking, dancing, and cross-country skiing, for example. Notice running is not on that list. Running?? This kid was outta breath in minutes. This kid became an adult who was more likely to play dead if chased by an axe murderer than run.
Being forced to run a set number of laps every gym class led to huge embarrassment for this kid, starting at 1st grade. Seven years old, begging mom to write a note…
Rachael is sick today, please let her sit out for gym.
or
Rachael hurt her ankle, she needs to sit out at gym today.
The note I really needed was:
Rachael hates running and sucks at it-could you please let her walk?
Had either parent suggested that, we knew the answer that would come from my very loud, very athletic teacher: No.
Everyone runs.
Everyone runs!
No special treatment in MY gym!
Sadly, my PE teacher in elementary school did not seem to understand the idea of Individulaized Education Plans, which are now common in schools everywhere. IEPs allow maximum growth and education for every child. No child left behind- and in my case, that mean way behind, laps and laps behind the other kids
And I wasn’t alone. There were the other slowpokes, kids with asthma… United in the shame we felt, United in being made fun of by some kids, United in being yelled at by our teacher to hurry up!
But also, United in lifting one another up even when one of us was in tears because we just couldn’t dodge a ball fast enough or do a real chin-up.
But it shouldn’t be the responsibility of kids to pick up the fractured pieces of other kids’ egos.
it should be up to teachers not to break us in the first place.
We need more teachers like my music teacher, who did nothing but build us up! We need more teachers like my art teacher, who had loads of praise and encouragement- regardless of skill or natural talent - because PE may be a “special” but it ain’t no more special than art or music! And it’s time that all teachers recognize individual strengths and challenges - because I had no real disability. In fact, I’m a great long-distance swimmer and walker.
I just wish I would have realized that When I was younger than 45!?! and for my PE teacher to realize that walking is just as valid an exercise as running?!
So this is for you… you parents of kids who struggle in PE. Advocate for them. Ask for an IEP if needed. It’s your right…. This is also for you teachers and administrators who have so so much work, but who nonetheless must keep striving to deliver the best educational process possible.
Its hard. But it’s worth it.
Cuz walking happily for 45 minutes straight is a thousand times healthier than sitting in shame on the sidelines. Having CHOICES is a vital part of all learning experiences.
So for Pete’s sake, dear PE teachers, let those kids walk!