Forget lessons in 'resilience', a daily jog will shake up today's lazy weak-willed kids
Teachers
often complain about being made to solve all of society’s ills, when all they
really want to do is inspire their pupils with a love of maths or science. Trouble is, school really is the only place that the state
can get the nation’s young people all in one place. So whether staff like it or
not, there will always be a presumption that some of the bigger nanny-state
projects will involve schools.
The Daily Mile – a UK-wide project which encourages schools to get children running a
mile a day – is one that might provoke sighs of dismay from hard-pressed
teachers. As if it wasn’t enough to cram Sats results perfection, a range of
arts and sports, anti-bullying and anti-racism messages, healthy-eating
classes, recycling awareness and “resilience building” activities into the day.
Now we have to take them out jogging as well?
But, as a
parent worried about the downward trajectory of the nation’s fitness, I think
this can only be a good thing. The Chinese have collective exercises before
class and don’t question it. It’s not like running costs anything and it only takes around 15
minutes of time.
All
children – whatever their ability – should be able to get out there and take
part. And schools and pupils should think of ways for disabled pupils to take
part too, everyone can have a go.
This
project has been called a “fad” by some, which fails to address our obesogenic
(great word) culture of computer games, cars and trash-stuffed cut-priced
supermarkets. But these things aren’t going anywhere fast and I think it can
really work to get the nation fitter and moving again. Striking early, in
primary school, with a compulsory daily 15 minutes of running could transform
the country. Obviously, it could be a whole different ball game in secondary,
but if it is ingrained early enough, I believe pupils will carry it on into
their teens.
At my
son’s school the outing is currently optional – I don’t think it should be as
this means it is often restricted to the children who are fit already – but it
is a great start. Schools shouldn’t be afraid to make it compulsory. At a young
age, when children run without thinking about its hardships, all will take part
(and those with mobility issues should be helped to do as much as they can).
My
constant refrain over childhood obesity and the decline in sports participation
is that far too much is optional (in the form of afterschool clubs) now…the
daily run has to become as normal as lunch or playtime or assembly and then it
could really work.
The
participating schools are keen to vaunt the success of the Daily Mile as
boosting academic results. I don’t think this is necessary and you could be
wandering into the pseudo-science territory to make such claims.
It is
enough that young people are out there, getting fitter every day, without even
really having to think about it.
Schools
obviously need to be encouraged and supported to instigate the Daily Mile, and
find ways to minimise it impacting on teaching time…and governments and
councils need to give it their wholehearted support.
Comments
Post a Comment