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Exercising and Education

Exercising and Education

Regular exercise is a necessary component of any thoroughly constructed educational curriculum. Physical education is vitally important for children, and adults, of all ages. It promotes personal fitness, teaches teamwork and cooperation, and facilitates better performance in the classroom. Physical education teachers introduce children to the idea of competition and fair play, allowing the children to develop skills that transfer both to academic settings and life outside of school. Balancing the teaching of essential life concepts, with competition and team building through physical education, gives children of all ages an outlet for energy and an opportunity to learn while having fun.

Students who engage in physical activity as part of the school curriculum often go on to participate in after-school athletic programs, furthering their development of teamwork and cooperation skills. Additionally, students who are introduced to physical education early on develop an awareness of the role that health and physical activity plays in their own lives. Covering health topics such as nutrition, stress management, healthy eating, and mental wellness helps students learn the importance of creating good habits and implementing physical activity and self-care into their lifestyle.

As role models in the classroom, teachers can help their students recognize the importance of living a healthy lifestyle. Educators with a depth of knowledge in the realm of health, fitness, and personal care can implement these tools to help students improve their own lives. With Fit For Life, offered through Professional Development Courses at the University of La Verne, teachers can bolster their understanding of the role of health and fitness in the school curriculum and the lives of their students.

 

Benefits of Taking Fit for Life from Professional Development Courses at the University of La Verne

Fit for Life provides teachers and educators with a comprehensive understanding of health and fitness as it relates to the school setting. Through this course, those enrolled will gain the tools necessary to help shape positive personal habits in students, recognize and manage stress, and develop a healthy lifestyle plan that can be incorporated into the class curriculum or your own fitness program. Educators who can identify stress and assist students struggling with tension can use the principles of physical fitness to help these students productively release energy and blow off steam. Educators will also gain insight into how to address and discuss common health questions about diets, steroid use, and other pertinent topics.

Fit for Life is designed for teachers at any grade level interested in teaching the fundamentals of physical activity and health in a school setting. Those who enroll in Fit for Life will learn the pedagogy behind physical fitness and health education, the benefits of physical activity for students, and positive self-management skills. The course will cover various aspects of aerobic and cardiovascular exercise, full-body flexibility, and muscle fitness. Additionally, the course touches on the science behind body composition, nutrition, and stress while incorporating goal setting and personal planning for educators.

Fit For Life, offered through Professional Development Courses at the University of La Verne, was created specifically for K-12 teachers and was designed to complement a busy schedule.  Successful completion of this course will not only greatly benefit your students, but it can have a positive and lasting impact on your career. All of the courses offered at Professional Development Courses help working professionals leverage their new skills towards salary advancement, license renewal, or recertification. Each district and state has its own policies regarding course approval. Before enrolling in a course, check with your school district or department of education.

Fit for Life can also be applied towards Professional Development Courses at the University of La Verne’s 15-credit Health and Human Development certificate.

All classes available from Professional Development Courses at the University of La Verne are open for anyone to register at any time during a semester. Additionally, students earn graduate, non-degree semester credit, reflected on an official transcript from the university.

 

Objectives for Fit For Life

In the Fit for Life course, you will learn how to incorporate what you have learned into your existing curriculum, and perhaps you will have developed a new lifelong learning goal for yourself!

A few of the topics included in Fit For Life include: 

• Fitness and wellness for all.     
• Safe and smart physical activity.     
• Benefits of physical activity.     
• Self-management skills.   
• The role of positive attitudes in overall health.
• Cardiovascular fitness.     
• Active aerobics and recreation.   
• Body flexibility.  
• Basic principles of muscle fitness and strength.    
• Muscular endurance.
• Body composition.     
• Food choices and nutritious meals.
• Smart consumer choices.     
• Stress management.
• Personal program planning.

  

How to Register

Registration for Fit for Life is simple and can be done online or over the phone. Professional Development Courses at the University of La Verne are offered ongoing during three semesters, and you can start at any time. Students may choose to enroll in up to a maximum of 15-semester credits at any time during an open semester.

Fall: September 1 - January 31

Spring: February 1 - May 31

Summer: June 1 - August 31 

No matter which semester best fits your lifestyle, we are confident that your experience in Fit For Life will be a tremendous resource, a professional advantage, and a measurable way of tackling fitness topics you will encounter. Register now to begin the process and gain the knowledge needed to make your classroom a better place for all students!