I Think Physical Activity Should be Required in Schools

Chris: I agree that physical activity should be required in schools.

Chris: Um, I think that it is a prerequisite to a healthy life, and without physical activity there is no way for us to combat the problem of childhood obesity.

Chris: Um, if I were a parent, I would want to make sure that my kids were getting a good amount of physical activity at school, and I will say that uh, when I was a kid, going to recess was one of my favorite times of the day.

Chris: Um, so I think it’s important that kids continue to have that.

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Vocabulary:

physical activity – bodily movement that uses energy, such as exercise, sports, or walking, “Running, swimming, and playing football are great forms of physical activity.”

required in schools – made mandatory or compulsory for students by educational rules or laws, “Wearing a uniform and taking mathematics are both required in schools.”

prerequisite – something that must exist or happen before something else can happen or be achieved, “Passing the basic safety test is a prerequisite for working in the laboratory.”

combat the problem – to fight against or take direct action to reduce a difficult situation or issue, “The city is planting more trees to combat the problem of air pollution.”

childhood obesity – a medical condition where a child is significantly overweight, which can negatively affect their health, “Eating fresh vegetables and reducing sugar can help prevent childhood obesity.”

good amount of – a sufficient, healthy, or generous quantity of something, “You need a good amount of sleep tonight if you want to feel rested for your exam tomorrow.”

recess – a short break during the school day when children are allowed to go outside and play, “The students ran straight to the playground as soon as recess began.”