Nothing compares to you!

22 Nov

Nothing compares to you! Posted by Sarah @ Kiddikicks

At Kiddikicks HQ I've been really interested to hear the latest news on physical education for children regarding beating child hood obesity and creating a change in lifestyle. How does Kiddikicks and all our other class content compare to the latest objectives set out by physical education specialists for a fitter Britain?

On the one hand, Sports Medicine Specialists are calling for “Physical Literacy”; training and support for children who are not physically literate. These experts point out extra support is given for children who struggle with maths and English, so why not with PE as well. They believe children should be tested against one another to increase their competitive nature but also to help identify children who need extra help. They want to see PE given the same priority as Maths and English particularly in light of the growing obesity problem. They go further to say a new PE curriculum should be devised to embrace “push, pull, squat, brace, rotate, accelerate and change of direction”.

On the other hand, schools are against testing because of the perceived negative impact on less able children plus an increase on workload for already overloaded teachers. Christine Blower from the National Union of Teachers said that PE lessons should be positive and encouraging, “The idea of testing is potentially negative and could act as a potential brake on participation.

I am thrilled to say Kiddikicks, Kiddisports and Ligasoccer sessions already embrace and acheive most of the objectives desired by Sports Medicine Specialists.

Also, how from Christine Blower’s point of view we whole heartedly encourage participation and achievement for all levels through the use of age-appropriate drills, patient coaching, positive feedback and an enthusiastic approach.

What we can do further do improve our classes in this context is to make sure heart rates are raised in a safe environment (avoiding collisions) and to further embrace the ideas of using rotation, squats and push and pull movements in our classes.

Suffice to say well done to Kiddikicks and Ligasoccer coaches for helping to give children a proper workout which helps develop coordination, strength and agility.