Final answer:
The emphasis in elementary school physical education should be on movement-skill acquisition to promote a foundation for lifelong physical activity and healthy living. Sports serve as a form of personal and social development, which is crucial in preparing kids for workforce competition and for fostering patriotic and social values.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the elementary school physical education program, the emphasis should be placed on c) Movement-skill acquisition. This focus is essential because it lays the foundation for a lifetime of physical activity and healthy habits. It is also aligned with the goal of physical education, which is to foster a love for an active lifestyle rather than to instill a competitive edge or advanced skills at an early age. Furthermore, it is important to recognize the role of physical activity and healthy eating as fundamental parts of a child's education, which contribute to preventing obesity and promoting overall well-being.
Sports can be seen as a form of performance, where the individual or team's abilities and training are displayed and assessed. For young people, sports play a critical role in personal development, instilling values such as teamwork, perseverance, and sportsmanship. Through participation in sports, children also receive preparatory experiences for later life, such as competition and socialization, which are integral in the workforce preparation roles schools serve in teaching teamwork and promoting patriotic and cultural values.
As leisure activities are increasingly becoming more sedentary, including computer games and television viewing, the role of physical education becomes even more pivotal to counterbalance these trends and to encourage active play, such as jumping rope, hitting a baseball, or kicking a soccer ball. Engaging in such movement skills at a young age lays the groundwork for a healthier lifestyle as the children grow.