Ideas concerning the value of games and sports for school children changed gradually between 1780 and 1860. Although not always condemned by teachers, those activities were not considered part of school in the early period. Sports considered acceptable for nonschool hours were utilitarian activities such as hunting, fishing, field sports, boating,…

This study traces the major programs and factors which contributed to the development of physical education in New England schools and academies between 1789 and 1860. First, the major types of physical exercise programs and the schools in which these programs operated are presented. Types of exercise programs identified include military training…

On August 26, 1831, educators attending a meeting of the American Institute of Instruction confirmed the need for physical exercise in schools, but wanted to determine what type of exercise program would be invigorating, utilitarian, interesting, and provide moral development. Advocates of manual labor programs stressed that physical labor…