Want Smarter, Healthier Kids? Try Physical Education! | Paul Zientarski | TEDxBend

Quality, daily physical education in schools not only reduces obesity amongst our children, but it improves academic performance.

With more than 40 years in the field of education, Zientarski has created a highly successful program called the Learning Readiness Physical Education (LRPE) program at Naperville Central High School. The program has produced such dramatic improvements in test scores, behavior and childhood obesity that it has inspired adoption in school districts from across the country and around the world, including Denmark, China, South Korea and Canada. His program has been highlighted on major TV networks and featured in documentary films. Zientarski shares his educational philosophy and programs with audiences nationwide, including the President’s Council on Health, Fitness and Nutrition in Washington, D.C.

[antcantantcant]

im literally watching this for an at home pe assignment

edit: yes i go to ereckson

[mylifeasliv]

I love Mr. Z and I was in this class when I was a freshman in HS. He is the best. Such an inspiration.

[ravyn]

This is mind-blowing as a future teacher. I wish every teacher would watch and learn from this.

[wagdymosa]

Exercise has been an integral part of my life since I was 13 years old. I'm now 49 and I can still maintain the same physical health and wellbeing that I had as a teenager. I believe that exercise is the key to achieving whatever goals you set for yourself in life.

[stevecook]

Thank you Paul. I’m about to retire from a long career in sales but I was originally a PE teacher Graduate of West Chester University where we always took great pride in our profession. Unfortunately I left the profession because I didn’t like being the potty break or discipline for other teachers. I’m passion is public speaking and I recognize the problem of inactivity and youth. I stumbled on your Ted Talk and I listened to it Three times. Now I know the message that I want to spread. You have inspired me to try to inspire others. Great job and Thanks

[yongbangyang]

At 7:53-8:10
"Exercise is like fertilizer for the brain... it's so good, it's like Miracle Gro".
It is exercise that builds new brain cells, not new learning.

[VisaliaMuscle]

Thank you for assuring me in chasing a dream and how vital physical fitness is, not only for the body, but for the mind as well.

[adora]

i just finished watching this presentation for my kinesiology class and i find it very inspirational i wish every P.E. instructor at every school in the United States shared his views; as well as every future P.E. teacher.

[swarren]

Paul - Thank you from all of us who care about our nation's youth.

[maryjosariscsany]

A must see for all principals and current and future physical

[antonrohrs]

Thank you Paul for your inspiration.
I am a student from Germany and am going to graduate in April. Also our teachers and most of the pupils do not take PE seriously. We have PE also only once a week and due to the inactive background of the majority of my classmates, the requirements have been scaled down by the PE teachers to enable everyone to pass the subject.
The consequences of the inactivity of my classmates are as you have described obesity, psychological issues and increasingly poorer academic performance.
Unfortunately, nobody wants to change this huge problem in Germany but your presentation gives me hope that we'll deal with this problem soon.
I have almost completed my time in school but I am determined to implement your advice for my future life.

[pelinksuify]

Great job Paul. Excellent presentation to a different type of audience. We need to do more to inform the public of the potential impact of quality health and physical education.

[fawziyahi]

Some people hate PE because their teachers are horrible. Or they have really low self esteem and confidence but the thing that annoys me the most is how people will simply call you lazy if you don't like PE. You don't know their story why are you judging, Belive me when you call someone lazy it doesn't help calling someone with low confidence it makes it worst. Some teachers don't like the students who don't do well in their class and treat them unfairly I've seen it before my own eyes.

[GyroZeppel]

They should start school later in the day as well because it is very hard for most children to focus on learning new ideas early in the morning before they have a chance to get active and exercise.

[mariacabanillas]

Great presentation! I'm glad there were sign language interpreters present. I'm an interpreter myself.

[ThePESpecialist]

Great talk and research!  I hope the future of Phys Ed looks more like the program you described here.

[msk]

Great sir
I am an physical education teacher in India tq...

[AVPhil]

A lot of teachers will be inspired of this video! *thumbs up*

[jamesmckillop]

Educators understand this, politicians do not quite yet. But they are beginning to see the value of physical activity and the importance of.

[Tictokshorts]

This guy is the coolest gym teacher I've ever seen.