Phys ed (physical education) is making a comeback as a part of the school core curriculum(核心课程), but with a difference.While group sports are still part of the curriculum, the new way is to teach skills that are useful beyond gym class.Instead of learning how to climb a rope, children are taught to lift weights, balance their diets and build physical endurance(忍耐力).In this way,kids are given the tools and skills and experiences so they can lead a physically active life the rest of their life.
Considering that 15 percent of American children 6 to 18 are overweight, supporters say more money and thought must be put into phys ed curriculum.In many cases, that may mean not just replacing the old gym-class model with fitness programs but also starting up phys ed programs because school boards often "put P.E.on the chopping block(砧板), cutting it entirely or decreasing its teachers or the days it is offered," says Alicia Moag-Stahlberg, the executive director of Action for Health Kids.The difference in phys ed programs is partly due to the lack of a national standard."Physical education needs to be part of the core curriculum," she added.
The wisdom of the new approach has some scientific support.Researchers at the University of Wisconsin have showed how effective the fit-for-life model of gym class can be.They observed how 50 overweight children lost more weight when they cycled and skied cross-country (越野)than when they played sports.The researchers also found that teaching sports like football resulted in less overall movement, partly because some reluctant students were able to sit on the bench.
Another problem with simply teaching group sports in gym class is that only a small percentage of students continue playing them after graduating from high school.The new method teaches skills that translate to adulthood.
According to the passage, what is usually taught in the old gym class?
A.Lift weights | B.Climb a rope |
C.Cycle | D.Have a balanced diet |
What does Alicia Moag-Stahlberg mean by saying “some school boards put P.E.on the chopping block”?
A.Schools do not pay enough attention to P.E.. |
B.Schools welcome P.E.but do not have time for it. |
C.Schools put P.E.in the first place. |
D.Schools cut down other subjects’ time for P.E.. |
Which is NOT the reason to carry out phys ed programs according to the passage?
A.More teenagers are overweight. |
B.Traditional group sports teaching is not effective. |
C.Students need to learn some skills to help them lead a physically active life. |
D.Phys ed programs need less money to support. |
How many problems are mentioned in the passage with simply teaching group sports?
A.Two | B.Three | C.Four | D.One |
What’s the difference between the come-back phys ed and the ordinary gym-class model?
A.The Phys ed teaches group sports. |
B.The Phys ed provides more fitness programs. |
C.The Phys ed teaches tools and skills which could be used in the future life. |
D.The Phys ed has more support from the government. |