Should gym be required in school? (Debate).

In classrooms across the U.S., time is precious. There are so many subjects to cover that some get pushed aside. According to the National Association for Sport and Physical Education, only one state--Illinois--requires all students to take physical education every day. Currently, more than half of the states allow students to substitute other classes for phys ed. In fact, most students in the U.S. take only one year of gym in high school.

Many people believe that gym should be a regular part of the school day, just like math, social studies, or music. Students need exercise--and gym teaches important lessons on getting along with others.

Should schools make students take gym class?

Yes

Make Gym Required

Gym teaches students valuable lessons, like sportsmanship and teamwork. It can also help students work off stress. "Gym should definitely be required in school," says Patrick Lanni, 10, a fifth-grader at Pierrepont School in Rutherford, New Jersey. "Gym makes you feel a little bit better. If you're having trouble, it clears your mind."

Exercise is a vital part of life. People in the U.S. don't exercise enough, and obesity is now a big problem for children and adults. Obesity is linked to a number of health problems, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and some types of cancer. If students skip gym class, they won't learn how important it is to be active.

no

Don't Require Gym

If students participate in after-school sports or other physical activities, gym class can waste valuable time. "I don't think gym should be required because you can do those physical things at home," says Jillian Russo, 1.2, a sixth-grader at Pierrepont School. "You need that time for learning in other classes in school, so you can become smarter."

There isn't enough time in school to cover every subject, so students should be allowed to substitute other classes for gym. Students need the time to study those subjects that will help them do well in school and in later life.