Do you agree with this schools policy?

I read a story about an elementary school in the U.K.According to the story,the school had just installed a brand new,lamninated gym floor for their school.The school didnt want the floor to be scuffed up by the treads on sneakers,and going in socks would be a sliping hazard of rhe floor;therefore,the school required the students to go in bare feet for their p e. class.The story claimed that alot of the parents objected to the policy,but I think that it actually made sense.What is your opinion?

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SunshineGirl · 36-40, F Best Comment

Definitely makes sense. New floors are expensive. Many people would object to wearing shoes on their brand new carpets. Socks are slippery, therefore it is sensible to remove them before going on hard surfaces. Most of my PE lessons required bare feet anyway, so wouldn't have made a difference to us.

DavidT8899 · 22-25, M

@SunshineGirl Plus,there are other indirect benefits.Many studies indicate that when young children go barefoot on a regular basis,it develops strong,healthy feet.

DavidT8899 · 22-25, M

@SunshineGirl And its also a fact that having a whole bunch of shoes with treads and grooves running around on the floor for an extended period of time would cause it damage,or at the very least make it very difficult to clean.And for the purposes of a laminated gym floor,there's really no such thing as non-slip socks.

SunshineGirl · 36-40, F

@DavidT8899 It's definitely healthier. Children who go without shoes are encouraged to transfer their weight to the balls of their feet, which is a more dynamic way of walking that takes pressure off the heels and prevents flat feet and other chronic health problems later in life. I learned good posture in my dance classes (which were always done barefoot) and I still walk on the balls of my feet whenever I am without shoes 🙂

DavidT8899 · 22-25, M

@SunshineGirl Very true.But I also agree with Sharons point that the gym teachers should also be barefoot.As I told her,the story didnt mention whether the teachers were required too,but it would make sense to protect the floor and to set a good example.

SunshineGirl · 36-40, F

@DavidT8899 It's a bit harsh to expect them to go without shoes all day 🙂 My teacher wore ballet pumps, but she'd take them off if she was demonstrating.

DavidT8899 · 22-25, M

@SunshineGirl Point taken.But theres another aspect to the situation that hasn't been touched upon.It may not have anything to do with the protective or health benifits,but it's worth pointing out.For most children-and teenagers,for that matter-walking in bare feet on a cold,hard gym floor feels delightful.I dont doubt that it makes the classes a much more pleasurable experience for the children.

Sharon · F

@SunshineGirl [quote]It's a bit harsh to expect them to go without shoes all day [/quote]I thought it was all about protecting the floor. Allowing the teachers to walk on it wearing shoes destroys their argument for children being required to go barefoot.

SunshineGirl · 36-40, F

@Sharon Ballet pumps are light indoor shoes that would not mark the floor.

Sharon · F

@SunshineGirl In that case, there's no reason the children shouldn't be given the option of wearing them too.

DavidT8899 · 22-25, M

@Sharon I have to come down on your side on that.At the risk of running rhis point into the ground,requiring the teachers to be barefoot with the kids is the best way to lead by example;of saying"were not doing this to punish you.See!We're in our bare feet right along with you!"Besides,no one would be making the teachers go barefoot literally all day,just all of the time they are in tbe gym.Uniformity is the key to any fair policy."Bare feet only" should apply to EVERYONE-inculding the teachers.