Meaning of Physical Education – JSS1 Physical & Health Education Lesson Note (First Term)

Physical education is the process of improving a person’s well-being through active participation in physical activities, sports and games. Health education is the process through which a person acquires the knowledge needed for healthy living. This note covers the meaning, aims, objectives and branches of both subjects.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. define physical education, health and health education;
2. state the aims of physical education;
3. list the objectives of physical education and of health education;
4. name the branches of physical education;
5. name the branches of health education.

What is physical education?

The term physical education consists of two words: physical and education.

Meaning of physical

Physical refers to the outward appearance of an individual in terms of body composition. It refers to the physical make-up or attributes of an individual as regards the trunk, head, hands, legs, height, weight, etc. The physical attributes of an individual describe him or her at first appearance.

The word “physical” refers to the body. It is often used with reference to various body characteristics such as physical strength, physical power, physical development and physical appearance.

Meaning of education

Education can be defined as a process of training and re-training an individual, either formally or informally, in order to bring about a change in the behaviour of the learner.

Education may mean different things to different people. Generally, it is a training that comes through studies. It is used to train an individual to be a complete man who will be useful to himself and his society.

Definitions of physical education

• Physical education is the process by which the general make-up or well-being of an individual is improved through active participation in physical activities, sports and games.
• Physical education is the process by which changes in an individual are brought about through movement experiences. It aims at physical development and is also concerned with the education of the whole person through well-planned physical activities.
• Physical education is a part of general education which helps to develop the body. It also enhances total fitness, growth and all-round development of the body through selected physical activities.
• Physical education is a process of developing the body and mind through movement and carefully selected physical activities.
• Physical education is the education that is concerned with educating the child through physical activities. These activities cover a wide field which includes games, gymnastics, athletics, swimming, recreation, etc.
• Physical education is an integral part of education that develops an individual physically, mentally, socially and emotionally through well-selected and well-planned physical activities.

Physical education is a lifelong education that starts from conception till death (that is, from cradle to grave).

Physical and health education can be defined as the acquisition of skills and knowledge necessary to help the development of the body, mind and spirit to promote health and wellness.

What are the aims of physical education?

1. Physical development: physical education helps to develop the muscles of the body through selected, well-planned and programmed activities.
2. Social development: children learn desirable social attitudes during group activities. These attitudes lead to better social adjustment.
3. Mental development: during physical education, the mental capacity is further enlarged through the knowledge of the rules of the various games and sports.
4. Emotional development: through physical activities, children learn how to be humble in victory and accept defeat gracefully. They also learn to control their tempers during games and sports. These lead to sound mental health.

What are the objectives of physical education?

1. To train the muscles of the body
2. To correct bad postures
3. To create the interest and love for games in students
4. To provide an avenue for social interaction among students
5. To develop the ability to reason and make decisions
6. To provide career opportunities
7. To encourage intentional cooperation and friendship through sports
8. To enable the student to have a sense of leadership, loyalty and obedience

What are the branches of physical education?

1. Athletics
2. Games
3. Gymnastics
4. Recreation
5. Combative sports
6. Rhythmic and dance
7. Safety education
8. Aquatic sports (swimming)
9. Fundamental movement
10. Camping
11. Dancing
12. Sports

What is health?

The definition of health is best explained by the one given by the World Health Organization (WHO). It states that health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being of a person and not the mere absence of diseases and infirmity.

What is health education?

Health education is the process through which one acquires the health knowledge necessary for maintaining healthy living.

Objectives of health education

The objectives of health education are the reasons why health education is important.

1. Health education helps people to acquire and practise desirable health habits that lead to total fitness.
2. It gives awareness of communicable diseases, their mode of transmission, prevention and cure.
3. It provides the knowledge of basic first aid and injury management.
4. It provides knowledge of nutrition and the food nutrients that are essential for proper growth and development.
5. It provides information on drugs, drug abuse, drug misuse and the dangers of self-medication.
6. It teaches personal cleanliness and environmental hygiene.

Branches of health education

1. Safety and first aid
2. Community health
3. Drug education
4. Environmental health
5. Disease (communicable and non-communicable diseases)
6. Food and nutrition
7. Family planning
8. Personal health
9. Sex education
10. Consumer health

Evaluation

1. Define physical education.
2. State the four aims of physical education.
3. What is health, according to the World Health Organization?
4. List four objectives of health education.

Assignment

1. Physical education is the education that develops an individual …………………………………..
2. Health education is about …………………………………………………………………………………………..
3. Outline two reasons why health education is important.
4. State four branches of health education.
5. Itemise four branches of physical education.
6. The following are the objectives of physical education except: (a) fun and enjoyment (b) improves physical fitness (c) causes fatigue (d) development of body skills.
7. The most important objective of physical education is ……………… (a) to make the body weak (b) to destroy the body cells (c) to promote disunity (d) none of the above.
8. The main reason why an average person performs physical exercise is to: (a) get fit (b) gain energy (c) stimulate the nerves (d) win a race.
9. Physical education is education through ……………… (a) gymnastics (b) indoor games (c) recreational activities (d) organised physical activities.
10. All of the following are the scope of physical education except ……………… (a) athletics (b) gymnastics (c) aquatics (d) flexibility.