Tucson, Arizona Thursday, 19 September 2002
'New PE' keeps all kids in the game
By Scott McCredie
THE SEATTLE TIMES
According to physical education specialists, the number of hours a child spends in class is important, but so, too, is the class content. The best programs don't stress calisthenics or traditional sports like football. Instead, they make movement fun by adding in parts of what's been dubbed the "New PE."
Among other things, they:
* Have teachers, not kids, pick teams - using random criteria such as birthdays or clothing color, so that unathletic or unpopular kids don't feel hurt if they're not chosen right away.
* Ban aggressive elimination games like dodgeball or soak 'em, in which the strong overpower the weak.
* Push kids to compete with themselves, not others. The emphasis is off "beating" another person or team and on improving one's own performance through practice and discipline.
* Keep everyone active. By using more equipment and smaller-size groups, educators can eliminate situations in which only a few kids move while the rest watch.
* Avoid using exercise as punishment, because it sends the wrong message about exercise. |
