The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1916-10-12
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The Purpose Of Gymnastics in Schools.

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A discussion of the question whether
physical training should or should not
be taught is not necessary. It is gen
orally conceded to be an essential part
of school work. A brief statement of
facts is deemed advisable.
One of the evils consequent to school
methods is the long confinement Of the
pupils, often in large numbers, from
five to six hours per day. The very
nature of our school organization re-
quires that the pupils sit quietly at
their desks during the greater part of
this long period, and as the desks are
often Ill fitting and out of proportion
to the size of the pupils, much physical
harm results. The immediate results
of this sedentary life are disturbances
of many natural functions. Digestion
and nutrition are impaired, the respira-
ton becomes shallow, the circulation is
retarded, and soft and rapidly growing
bony structure is pressed upon and dis
torted, thus causing deformities.
To counterfeit these evil tendencies,
to some extent at least, physical train
ing has been made part of the school
work in nearly every large city.
Good posture is essential to the pro-
per development of the vital organs,
especially those in the chest. Exercises
should be arranged with the special
aim of producing good posture and
graceful carriage.
Muscular work stimulates the differ
emit organs; the heart beats become
more rapid and stronger, respirations
more frequent and deeper, and diges-
ton is improved. In addition to this,
well regulated exercise brings about a
Strengthening and so prevent deformi-
ties.
The educational value Of physical
training must also be taken into con-
sideration. Through properly con-
Quoted daily exercise the pupils are led
to think more of their physical condi-
ton. Their attention is directed to the
many things that help 10 undermine
health, and they are taught to appre-
cate the value of strong, well pro-
portioned body, and to detect their
shortcomings in this respect. The habit
of exercise thus formed often continues
in later life.
The direct training of the motor
nevers insures better coordination, re-
sultlng In lesser expenditure of vital
energy in all kinds of muscular work,
which thus produces graceful move
ments. Of equal Importance with the
motor training is the training of the
lnhlbltory powers. To suppress the ma
tural desire for motion, inherent in all
persons, is one thing, but to train the
Will SO as to control the many involun-
tary movements is quite another. Both
forms of nerve training must result
from all properly conducted physical
exercises.
The objects Of school gymnastics:
: The aims of this training are two
fold, namely, hygenic and educational:
health producing and habit producing.
Viewed as to its physical effects,
gymnastics produces health and hardi-
ness. By combating and alleviating
unhygenic school conditions, like i'm
pure air, bad light, improper sitting
and standing, long periods of physical
inactivity, it increases health. It cul-
tlvates and develops strength and it
increases organic vigor. By increasing
coordination, it promotes quickness and
skill. 1t cultivates> endurance. and
strives for beauty of form. By it's
combination of strength and coordina-
ton it produces beauty of motion i. e..
grace.
Viewed as to it's educational, habit
producing effects, school gymnastics
promotes obedience, exactness and or
der. 1t trains for alertness, quick per-
ception and quick reaction. It
strengthens the will power. It awakens
an appreciation for the beautiful in
form and motion. In its competitive
forms,it leads to self control, self de-
NAL, loyalty to leaders, and il awakens
and promotes morality.-W. s. Hansen,
physical director of the Kenosha public
schools.