Why P.E. Class is Vitally Important in Louisiana Schools

In the midst of the local challenges to P.E. requirements and an age where “everyone gets a trophy,” the value of challenge and discomfort in a child’s development is often overlooked. A recent discussion on KEEL News brought this to the forefront, as Mike and McCarty reflected on their own school days and the role of physical education in shaping resilience. 

Most people grew up in a time when opting out wasn’t an option. P.E. wasn’t just about exercise, it was about learning to push through challenges, try new things, and sometimes even fail in front of others. Those moments, it is argued, build character and prepared students for real-life situations where they might be uncomfortable or uncertain. 

Why PE and Adversity Still Matter in Building Stronger Kids 

Today, many kids are raised in an environment designed to shield them from discomfort. Participation awards, reduced competitive activities, and a growing emphasis on avoiding any potential for hurt feelings have shifted the cultural approach to childhood challenges. While the intention is to protect kids, the long-term effect may be the opposite, leaving them less equipped to navigate adversity as adults. 

Learning Through Discomfort 

The challenges presented might be easier for those who are athletically inclined, but still it is important to recognize the benefits of P.E. for those who aren't. For students who struggled, the real lesson wasn’t in mastering a sport, it was in learning how to show up, try, and adapt.  

This is where the concept of resilience comes into play. Research continues to show that facing manageable challenges builds mental toughness, confidence, and problem-solving skills. Without these moments, kids may miss out on vital personal growth opportunities. Which is exactly what happened to me.  But more about that in a minute. 

A Call to Bring Back the Basics 

This topic is more than nostalgic, it is a call to parents, educators, and communities to re-embrace activities that push kids beyond their comfort zones. Whether through P.E., competitive sports, or other structured challenges, the lesson is the same: discomfort can be a good teacher. 

A Personal Note from the Author 

One reason this is personal to me is because of my own experience.  When I was born, the doctor damaged my shoulder and arm causing me to be born with Erb’s Palsy, which caused limited/restricted mobility in my arm and shoulder.   

This meant I couldn’t do a lot of the things other kids could do in P.E. class in school.  I loved P.E. when we played kickball, dodge-ball, and basketball.  But when it came time to do the push-ups, pull-ups, rope-climbing, etc... I hated it.   

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But I learned to deal with it.  I learned that there are going to be things I will have to face that will be difficult.  When I couldn’t do the required amount of push-ups or pull-ups, I didn’t get a trophy.  So I worked harder at the other things I was capable of doing.  I think I even set the record at the time for sit-ups!   

Adversity is good for us.  It challenges us.  It teaches us.  It makes us stronger.  And when we try to remove adversity from our children to ‘save their feelings,’ we’re doing them a disservice much more than we’re helping them.