"Shamed" Games..

"Shamed" games are very controversial in the physical education world. Some people are in support of having these games banned in schools, while others are huge advocates of these games. Some of these shamed game include dodge ball, duck duck goose, red rover, simon says, and line soccer. Personally I am in the middle of supporting these games and not supporting these games. Since I am in college learning how to be a physically educated person it is part of my duty to encourage young children to be physically educated as well. Young people love to learn and if they watch people that are good role models then they will be encouraged to have a healthy lifestyle. These games are yes physically challenging, but when you have a class of children that are clearly at different ability levels then these games can be seen as embarrassing or picking on one specific person or a whole group ex.(gender). A huge problem in today's youth and something that has always been an issue in schools is bullying. There is so much peer pressure that goes on in schools and if a child is already getting peer pressure outside of physical education class then they most likely are going to be bullied in the locker room or during class, it is part of a physically educated person to help stop this malicious behavior. We should promote physical activity as a way to relive stress and a way to relax and a sort of "get away" from daily stresses. These shamed games I am in full support of children playing on their own time like at their birthday parties and outside of school, so they have a choice to participate or not. In school phys ed is a class and a students grade goes down if they do not participate, so in a sense they are forced to participate. By no means is every child going to enjoy every activity, but there should always be an alternative to a certain activity that is going on that day. These shamed games there is really not an alternative activity to do , usually the whole gym is being used for that specific game.  Physical education is a subject in school that is changing little by little year to year. Dodge ball is yes so much fun to play, but in my opinion doesn't focus on the overall well being of every child involved. The self-esteem of some children can be crushed and may feel like they are the ones being picked on in class.  Co-ed dodge ball to me is just overall not a good idea, maybe girls vs. girls and boys vs boys would be a better idea if this game is ever played in class. When I become a teacher someday I really want to do just that teach! In a lot of these shamed games there is not a lot of teaching going on. It is mostly reffing, (in, out, go, stop) there is no real technique to these games. I know we all probably played these shamed games in school and had a lot of fun. But for those few kids that felt pressured and picked on this was the worst experience for them. As a teacher I want to provide education to students on how to stay fit and enjoy physically activity, not dread it. My students will hopefully learn that by being a physically educated person it helps many aspects of an individuals life. There are many activities that concentrate on relaxation, strength, cardio, ect. I want to focus on day to day activity, things that can become habit to that person everyday. As a teacher I plan on never playing these "shame" games in class. But outside of class I fully support these games because the child can choose if they want to participate or not and enjoy themselves at the same time.
     http://www.sparkpe.org/ <<<< This is a very interesting cite discussing some of the same issues.

^^^^YES?.....NO?...I Don't Know....Depends on the situation and setting!
Tons of fun....YES!! School appropriate and educational....NO!!

Lab 1 St. Mary's

First Lab of Motor Development Class at St. Mary's (worked with Pre-K) Lab 1 

Assignment #1 Summery chap 1-3

There are many factors included in being and becoming a great physical education teacher. Kids are so excited and willing to learn new things and try new activities. It is part of our job as physical educators to show and assist children in as many activities as possible to encourage them to be the most healthy they can be! To be fit is a major part of being a healthy person. And to be physically fit means exercise. There are so many ways that kids can  exercise, and the best part is they like to run around and exercise! We need to encourage them by having a positive attitude and by being a positive role model in their life. Every child is different and unique, some may like swimming, others may like soccer, some may be  really good skill wise and others will not be so talented, that doesn't matter the important part is they are working towards keeping fit. Movement is involved in exercise. You can categorize movement into three different category's stability movements such as a forward roll, locomotor movements such as running, and manipulative movements such as throwing. It is important to give each child some individual evaluation and asses their progress throughout time. Movement skill can be part of the child's life not just in school, but at home too, it is important and beneficial to the child to get encouragement and help at home. Over time we will see children grow, develop movement abilities and motor control. These children hopefully will keep these fit skills with them the rest of their lives. If we are a physically educated individual then in return it is our responsibility to educate other people to become and work toward being a physically educated person. Movement enhances a child's perceptual-motor and cognitive concept learning, promotes the development of a positive self-concept, and promotes positive socialization.

    http://www.ymca.net/

"We believe the values and skills learned early on are vital building blocks for life. Because of the Y, more young people in neighborhoods around the nation are taking a greater interest in learning and making smarter life choices. At the Y, children and teens learn values and positive behaviors, and can explore their unique talents and interests, helping them realize their potential. That makes for confident kids today and contributing and engaged adults tomorrow."