It is not the purpose of this book to present material which maybe used only in presenting a physical education demonstration but also to stimulate interest in these de­monstrations. Physical education does not mean a great deal to the average run of people. They look upon it as a fad and not a worthwhile part of education.

Physical education is a part of the whole system of education and should not be thought of as a thing apart. Physical education is not the education of the physical body alone. Physical courage, quick thinking, sportsman­ship, character and fair play are best learned on the ath­letic field and in the gymnasium as a part of the program. This fact should be brought before the public and there is not a better or more interesting way than through a gym­nasium demonstration.

For many years the physical educator has been try­ing to justify his program. Now that physical education is recognized as an integral part of the educational sys­tem we should do all we can to keep it there.

The physical education demonstration affords a golden opportunity to show the general public just what is being done in the physical education department in the school. There is a definite need for constructive publicity for the physical education program. Fathers and mothers and the general public need to have a clearer understanding and appreciation of the aims, objectives and standards in the physical education program.

Physical education has undergone great changes the past twenty-five years. The physical education programs are now giving training in the activities that can be main­tained throughout life. They are giving training in skills that have a carry over value in order that people may spend their leisure time more advantageously.

World War II taught us the value of physical education; the various governmental agencies gave their recognition and support to programs of physical education and recre­ation which were scientifically constructed, taught and evaluated. It is necessary to carry forward the program which was set up during the war, with certain limitations. It is imperative therefore to "educate" the parents of our boys and girls as to the value of a well rounded program in physical education.

There are laws in many of the states which provide for a definite amount of time to be spent in physical edu­cation. Programs must meet the standards set up by the various state physical education directors. Too often these programs do not meet these standards. It is the contention of the author that a great deal can be done to­ward bringing physical education to the front and letting parents see its value through demonstrations of this type. Too few people in the United States really know much about physical education. It should be brought to their attention that physical fitness for effective living does not require the same program as physical fitness for athletic participation. It is possible through programs of this na­ture to place the program of physical education before the public in such a way that it is both entertaining and educa­tional. Every parent loves to see their boy or girl per­form so the question of an audience is not important.

The activities which are discussed here were picked because of their adaptation to a high school gym demon­stration. Each one has been tried out in a demonstration and put into actual operation.

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