Invented Games

During our Physical Education 1280 class, we were asked to travel to different stations around the gym and create games with the equipment we were given. We had to use all the people in our group and all the equipment while working on developing a skill or many skills. I am going to explain two of the games my group came up with. 

Our first station we went to had a large sheet of material that was stretchy with many handles all around it, two rubber balls, and a bucket. Our group came up with the idea of using the piece of material as something to launch the ball. Once it was in the air, the other three members of the group would then try and get the ball into the bucket. This worked by one person holding the bucket, and they could move around. The other two people would have to use any strategy to get the ball into the bucket. This could be kicking it, kneeing it, heading it, or anything else, to the other person to get into the bucket or simply directly into the bucket. Two people have to be holding the piece of material, and switch off continuously with the other people out in the playing field. This game would be aimed at a younger group in elementary school to improve their coordination and teamwork. It also involves focus because you always have to know where the ball is to participate and have fun. The two people who are holding the piece of material get an equal amount of time as everyone kicking the ball, because everyone switches off fairly. I think this is a good game, but can get boring quickly, and is not complicated at all. Since it is difficult to get it in the bucket, it is rewarding once you do, and proves how important teamwork is. 


A second game we invented used flags on a belt and two frisbees. There was one person in the middle of the circle we stood in without flags. Then, the people with a frisbee had to throw it to anyone else in the circle. The trick was that there were two frisbees going at the same time. The objective of the person in the middle was to pull the tags of the people in the circle, but they could only pull the tags when the person was holding the frisbee. Once they threw the frisbee, their tags could not be pulled. Once the person in the middle pulled both of a person's tags, they then could be on the outside playing and the person who got pulled would be in the middle until they were able to get out. This game works on strategy, and you always have to be alert and into the game when you play watching for flying frisbees and watching for the person who is it. I think this is an important aspect of a game in order to keep enthralled and interested in the game. This game would be aimed at an older class in elementary school or for highschool. There are higher skills involved such as catching and throwing the frisbee, and dodging the person trying to catch you. There is a lot to think about all at once. I think this game is very active, but works in small groups and wouldn't be much fun in a large group. If you were to play it in a class, it should be broken down into smaller groups in order to play. 




These are just two of endless possibilities that can be used in a physical education class. Here is a link in order to look at some other game ideas!

http://wilderdom.com/games/PhysicalActivities.html

New View on Physical Education

Physical Education can be a class in a child's life that is either a positive or negative portion of their schooling. Some PE teachers may focus on the skill aspect of the class and try to increase the athletic ability of their students. Although this is in fact part of a PE class, I believe it should be a very small part. In my opinion, a gym class can be intimidating for kids who aren't star athletes or have a low confidence level. If a class focuses on simply athletic pats of the course, the kids who lack these skills may feel uncomfortable and not want to participate to eliminate themselves from embarrassment. Therefore, a PE class should be a variety of aspects and skills, and should involve inclusive games rather than a game of volleyball or basketball. I believe these games should be created to be not intimidating,and help to make everyone feel comfortable and build their confidence level. My philosophy is sports should be taught in a fun matter and students should not be simply thrown into a full class game of a high skill level sport. From personal experience I find it easier to play sports in smaller groups than in an entire class. There are less people, and helps to build confidence. In conclusion, I believe a physical education class should focus on building confidence, making everyone feel comfortable, and increase skill levels in many aspects in an open and friendly environment. The goal should be to make sure everyone is involved and creat an environment individuals look forward to being part of and comfortable in. I think a key point is the intense athletes should somehow be brought down a step or two to the same levels as others. This shouldn't be done in a degrading way or insulting way, but in a clever subtle and almost invisible way. Perhaps if you're playing soccer for instance, select them to be the goalie or make someone a little shy the team captain. These are just a few examples of how to create a gym class that I believe should be worked on.