Hide and Go Seek Tag

Hiding in the shadows.

As a teacher of Physical Education I have struggled with my personal teaching philosophy over the last five years.  The big question I continually ask myself is "What is my purpose as a physical education teacher?"  I can come up with a list of answers such as

1. To teach movement concepts and content
2. To get kids moving
3. Improve the health of today's youth
4. Introduce sports, games and activities that might otherwise be unknown to the students
5. Measure fitness and growth
6. Prepare students for jobs in the exercise/health/fitness industries
7. Teach students how to take care of their bodies for life
8. Help students who need health/wellness and fitness for careers in the Armed Services, Fire and Rescue and Police Departments

But what about PLAY?  Is my job to teach kids how to play?  When they reach grade 1 and 2 shouldn't they already know how to PLAY?

Increasingly I find it hard not to play in physical education class.  I spend most of my time facilitating play activities while embedding all the state standards for Physical Education into the games the students are playing. 

Students move through the gym safely in the dark while playing Hide and Go Seek Tag.

Today in Physical Education we played Hide and Go Seek Tag.  When surveyed 90% of my students reported never to had played this game.  What?  How sad.  This is one of my fondest memories as a child, especially outside  in the fall. 

Students stack mats to create a hiding tunnel.

Equipment boxes quickly become hiding places.

Students borrow empty kitchen boxes.

I know there are many reasons why Play is becoming a lost part of childhood and this is a discussion for another time. What I really want to know  "Are any other elementary PE teachers experiencing this phenomenon?" Again I find myself teaching play activities and embedding content into the games I teach.  Kids need to know how to play.  As a physical activity specialist I feel it is my duty to Teach Play.  Below is a brief sample of my lesson.

Health related fitness components.

Flexibility

Today's Lesson: Fitness

Game:  Hide and Go Seek Tag

Content Covered in Game: Discussed before, during and after activity.

• Cardiovascular Health- Running
• Muscular Health- Setting up obstacles
• Flexibility- moving into and out of hiding areas
• Cooperation- Setting up game with small groups, fixing obstacles, sharing hiding spots
• Identification of positive feelings associated from participation in a physical activity
• Positive social interaction
• Demonstrate conflict resolution strategies- rock-paper-scissors
• Adapt game to needs of all players
• Respond to appropriate and safe practices for self and class- check speed, look before running, never crawl on top of obstacles
• Demonstrate ethical decision making  -follow rules established by group prior to start of game 

Counting to 10 under the teacher's desk while class hides.

Spying on the "Taggers".

Non stop Cardio!

Poetry in PE

The students wrote jump rope poems in PE during Jump Rope for Heart Month.  One poem was dedicated to Mrs. Novak, the school cook.

Mrs. Novak displays her poem.

20/20 - 20 Web Tools, 20 Slides, 20 Seconds Per Slide

KSU Teachers Play the Crabby Patty Game

Kent State teachers played games that focused on fitness.  Students here at C.___ played the Crabby Patty game .  In crab position students had to pick up 'crabby patties' and carry them back to home base.  The students learned about muscular strength and endurance through this game.  When in group, the students were able to come up with reasons why they needed muscular strength at home.  "We need to carry out the trash cans and to help mom with the laundry" one student stated.  The students were also able to identify the monkey bars, fire pole and climbing walls on the playground as placed were muscular strength was needed.

What chores do you do at home that need muscle strength?

Crab race back to home base.

Searching for Crabby Patties.

Raise the Roof helps with leg strength.

Fitness games are exhausting.  

Jump Rope For Heart

As part of their Heart Health lessons, students view a video about a young girl who was born with a hole in her heart.  These videos really help student connect to the purpose of the Jump Rope for Heart Program.

A BIG thank to all the students for Jumping to a healthy heart.  We raised over $3,000 for the American Heart Association.  We will continue to jump through out the year as a way to stay fit, active and  heart - healthy.