PE for kindergartners - is this ok?

PE for kgartners should be required, but IMO a timed half mile is too much for children that young. They should be playing tag or some other such running game in the playground, not under the lash of an overenthusiastic (or perhaps frustrated football) coach.

To me it seems like a fine idea. i suppose the thinking behind it is that he will have them do it again much later in the year and can compare their times to the previous ones. as kindergarteners, they are growing and their bodies are improving greatly everyday. If they cant run better later in the year than they could earlier in the year, it's almost like he failed at his job. American children are getting more and more obese everyday. I say he is doing a great justice by keeping these kids in shape. besides, i ran a half mile when i was in kindergarten and even got a blue ribbon for doing it the second time (i finished 1st. )

I think it's a little extreme but they certainly seem capable of it. I would talk to the PE teacher about his curriculum plans and with those in hand I would talk to your child's doctor and see if that would be too much strain on their joints.

When I was younger my school had a program where we walked or ran for a set amount of time each day. The goal was to see how far across America we could go.

If anything, PE would encourage growth, stamina, and better sense of balance. It's one thing if your child ran two miles at his age, it's another if your child did a half mile. Think of it this way, most children run and play around a house or park at least a half mile or more a day. Get a pedometer and measure it.

I think that it is a bit much to do. Timing is also not good at that age in a class setting. I feel sorry for the students who come in last or can't finish the run.

I think it's okay, as long as the teacher is responsible enough to make sure that all the kids are doing okay and not having difficulty breathing or anything like that.

I had to do that in high school.... I think kindergarteners are a little young for that I would be a little upset too.

I think it is okay. My 5 year old has a ton of energy. I am not sure that would even phase him.