Physical activity, in many schools and in many homes, does not have the level of importance it deserves. Children who do not develop physical skills are those who get left out of play with their friends and could be those who remain physically inactive throughout life.
~ Dr. Steve Sanders, Chair of the Department of Health and Physical Education at Tennessee Technological University, PBS.org article.
Ideas from Past Grants
Survivor: Salem? Well the reality show may not have come to our neck of the woods, but some unique and fun physical challenges have. When Horace Mann’s phys ed staff wanted to teach perseverance, teamwork and creative thinking, they decided to do it Survivor-style, complete with a stranded boat and a group of students in need of rescue. Each week, students faced new challenges that required them to work together and think outside the box. Best of all – no one ever got voted off the island…
Ideas from Other Foundations
Step It Up: As part of the Walk Across America program, students at one local school each wore pedometers and tracked their progress on posted classroom maps to see how far they had traveled each day.
YogaME ~ Moving Elementary School Students: This grant allowed students to get an introduction to the breathing and postural principles of yoga in order to build body awareness, improve coordination and flexibility and enhance self-esteem.
Smart Exercise: Nationally recognized Qigong master Lee Holden taught one town’s students this ancient form of exercise and relaxation. During a 3 day visit, he also trained staff in these techniques during an after-school workshop.
Winter PE: Frustrated by the limitations imposed by months of indoor classes, one teacher thought “outside the classroom” and decided to teach middle school students to snowshoe!
Resources
Want to add some fun to Phys Ed? Check out Circus Smirkus!
For ideas and research, visit PE Central.
