Promoting Games in Teaching Physical Education to Elementary Learners

Luis B. Taruc

Due to the increased prevalence of online games and social networking sites, physical activity is one of the many challenges that Physical Education teachers in elementary are facing. It has been observed that some children engrossed to mobile games are less likely to engage with physical activities inside or outside school. Consequently, these young learners become obese or overweight. To this end, PE teachers are burdened to find ways to make physical activity fun and enjoyable.

Because children are less engaged in physical activity in the classroom, incorporating games in PE class will ensure learner-centered and enjoyable learning. According to Australian Sports Commission, students who participate in gamebased learning are likely to enjoy sports and activities and to develop a lifelong commitment to physical activity. It also stated that this fun approach may develop one’s range of motor skills. If PE teachers take the game-based activities into consideration, they may help their learners develop a positive attitude towards physical activity, thus lessening the negative impact of having students who are sedentary due to their fondness of playing mobile games.

R. Light (2003) also highlighted the connection between engagement in games and cognitive development. According to the researcher, improvement of thinking skills occurs when teachers discuss strategies and tactics and when the students intelligently move their bodies during the game. Therefore, if games are promoted, the learners become strategic apart from obtaining enjoyment from playing the games.

In conclusion, PE teachers must include games in their lessons that involve physical activity. Researches have proven that games add enjoyment to learning and increase learners’ intellectual capacity. If constantly practiced, games may also lessen instances of learners suffering from obesity and overweight as a result of their being inactive.