The 1920s and 30s saw a revolution in the approach teachers made to physical education. Important thinkers such as Clark Hetherington wanted to move beyond the simple learning and practicing of gymnastic exercises to focus on the natural play instincts of children. The thinking became that through systematic instruction in play, sports, and dance teachers would be able to not only shape a child's body but mind as well. In this holistic paradigm, health, citizenship, moral conduct and social growth were all possible through physical education. These ideas gained great acceptance with educators and eventually were included in the training of teachers at the Oshkosh State Teachers College. Articulating the ideas of Hetherington and other reformers was Edward Sarcharski, an OSTC instructor of physical education for men. He gave this talk titled "Why Teach Physical Education?" on May 15, 1939.

Ken Allen is chair of the department of physical education and health promotion at UW Oshkosh.