The Fargo forum and daily republican. [volume] (Fargo, N.D.) 1894-1957, 1913-11-06
PHYSICAL SIDE
OF STUDENT LIFE
PROF. r. w. 8uRckHALTER OF
VALLEY CITY READ PAPER ON
PHYSICAL SIDE OF EDUCATION
BEFORE SECONDARY EDUcA.
TON SECTION. 800.

In talking about Physical Educa-
ton in the High School, r. w. Burck-
halter said: "Physical education is
fessentiaI during the, entire high schoo,
course and even after it has beer
completed and the individual has
passed on to take up his chosen voca
ton or has entered a higher institu-
ton of learning. It is not SO much a
question with us of the necessity OF
physical education as it is a question
Of content and method of instruction
and administration. .,
ITO be most effective the instruc-
ton must be carefully, planned and
and conscientiously conducted along
natural lines as far as possible. Ma
lures efforts are always to produce a
well rounded efficient adult. 1t is our
duty to keep out of natures way and
to assist all we can instead of thwart-
ing her efforts. by forcing the boys and
rAgirls through a course built upon a
false theory. sa
1--WE know that the chief business
of the child up to approximately 16
years Of age is growth. The different
organs; grow one after the other and
prepare to ~functionate. Likewise the
individual first grows then enters the
development and preparatory stage
called adolescence in which prepara-
ton is made for the duties of adult
hood. Proper exercise is needed dur
ing the growing period to insure the
continuance of growth and 1T is requir-
ed during the development period to
develop the organs and to give tough
mes and endurance to tissues.
1T is during this period of the adj
vent of puberty and the veal or two
which Immediately proceed it that we
have to deal with the boy and girl in
the high school. Previous to this time
they have been travelling q pathway
having definite Limitations, leading up
from infancy and childhood but now
they. are coming into a larger life.
They must be prepared for the re-
sponsibilities of manhood and woman
hood with the best possible physical
and mental preparation; with the
moral qualities of courage. will power,
self control honesty, patriotism, 10y
atty: with the ability to think clean
1y; they must have sound organs and
a sound system.
"The school must assume it's re-
sponsibility in this matter. We have
progressed in education to the point
@sShere educational theory and prac-
tice and public sentiment are demand
ing that the school shall not only edu-
cate the youth mentally but that it
shall educate him physically as we'll.
We are recognizing that the mental
superstructure must have a sound
physical foundation. This ~necessi-
tates wise administration of physical
education throughout the school sys-
tenn beginning with the grade school.
1--WE must start properly in this
matter therefore each pupil should
pass through the hands of a medical
examiner at the opening of each
school year and if found defective
should be advised or treated. The de-
fectives should be re-examined at in
teryals until the defect is overcome.
If necessary for the protection Of 9TH
ers he should be kept at home or In
quarantine for a time. There should
also be a physical examination to de-