The following are sites on the Web that provide important and valuable insights about teaching physical education. Many also contain information about a product or resource that could be beneficial to a teacher or a health and physical education program.
Activity Energizers for the Classroom
Check it out! Classroom Based Physical Activities (typically only 10 minutes long) that classroom teachers can incorporate physical activity into their classroom. The idea of "Energizers" is based on a project by the Michigan Department of Education called Brain Breaks.
The aim of the Alberta Learning Kindergarten to Grade 12 Physical Education Program is to enable individuals to develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to lead an active, healthy lifestyle.
Assessing Learning in Physical Education: Motor Skills Video
This professional video, filmed in the Washington state public schools, demonstrates the importance of assessment in physical education and illustrates different types of skill assessment. This award winning video (first place in AAHPERD's 1996 National Video Contest) is available from Central Washington University.
At this attractive site you can learn how this organization is encouraging North Carolinians to create the policies, opportunities, facilities, and motivation to promote physical activity -- and good health. In addition, you can participate in the Be Active Steps Program which allows you to log the amount of steps you take (with a pedometer) on a daily basis and you can have kids take some fun quizzes.
CAHPERD's National School Challenge Program
Teachers, volunteers and students are always looking for ways to get kids more active through fun-filled, school wide physically active celebrations. So… CAHPERD (Canadian Alliance for Health Physical Education Recreation and Dance) is excited to present three fun and exciting school challenges that are sure to do the trick.We know that planning a successful school event can be time-consuming, so we’ve tried to make it as easy as possible to participate by planning and coordinating most of the work for you! All you have to do is register for these challenges (there is a small fee), you’ll receive an Event Participation Kit complete with a detailed event manual, posters, certificates of participation, an extensive list of activity and celebration ideas, and even a free CAHPERD membership!
These events have already been celebrated by hundreds of schools from across Canada – so they are proven successes. We know from experience that your students will have a blast getting active in the MOGA Madness Challenge, the Jump2bfit Across Canada Challenge, and the SpecTAGular challenge!
CATCH (Coordinated Approach To Child Health)
Welcome to the CATCH website, dedicated to helping educators, administrators and parents promote and maintain heart-healthy behaviors in children and adolescents. CATCH, in its long-form, is known as The Coordinated Approach to Child Health (formerly, The Child and Adolescent Trial for Cardiovascular Health). CATCH has been approved by the Texas State Board of Education.
Concerned Adults and Students for Physical Education Reform (CASPER)
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CASPER (Concerned Adults and Students for Physical Education Reform) is a
non profit advocacy organization for students, parents, teachers and others
interested in eliminating inappropriate practices from physical education.
CASPER demands that teachers stop using the kinds of practices that can
seriously harm students' self-esteem, such as: using "captains" to pick
teams, exercise as punishment, fitness testing in the "spotlight", and
elimination games. These practices should be eliminated because they work
against what CASPER considers to be the main purpose of physical education:
guiding students in the process of becoming physically active for the rest
of their lives.
The Cooper Institute for Aerobics Research
At this site, visitors can learn what the Cooper Institute is, order various books (many by Dr. Kenneth Cooper, M.D.) and other health related fitness materials, ask questions via e-mail, and more importantly physical educators can get information about the FitnesGram health related fitness test. The test is explained and you can order the materials directly from the site. The Fitnessgram Technical Reference Manual is now available at their web site. This version includes a variety of information in addition to the technical issues on the validity and reliability of the assessments and development of the standards.
Learn how different sports really work from the scientific point of view. Included are baseball, surfing, skateboarding, etc. Lots of really cool stuff located at the Exploratorium View PE Central's Full Review of this Site.
This site was created to help promote and further inform others of the vital role that physical activity plays in the lives of our children. The University of Michigan and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan team is dedicated to helping schools nourish young people physically, mentally and socially. Physical activity, fitness, recreation and sport play vital roles in youth development and helping children at risk. Fitness for Youth builds on these strengths and contributes to a young person’s socialization process and physical stamina. You will find information about activities for parents to partake in with their youngsters, a newsletter, and recent research about physical activity.
Get Active Stay Active Log Web Site
Check out this exciting Web site designed to encourage middle and high school students to increase their physical activity participation. The site features cool graphics and cutting edge tools that allow students to record their physical activity minutes and/or pedometer steps.Students can:
- create their own exercise log and record their activity time or pedometer steps each day
- view their progress on a daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly time period
- earn the Presidential Active Lifestyle Award from the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports
- earn certificates of improvement for regularly logging physical activity minutes or steps
- see fitness tips and exercise ideas so they can find new ways to be active
The GoGirlGo Project is a unique education program that utilizes four GoGirl characters and champion athletes to educate girls about health risk behaviors and life lessons such as body image, bullying, diversity, smoking, drugs and stress. This FREE program also features true-life stories from champion athletes like Brandi Chastain, Lisa Fernandez, Mary Riddell, Jennifer Rodriguez and Teresa Weatherspoon. All materials are FREE and come in GoGirlGo kits (quantities of 12 or 25), containing a GoGirlsTM Guide to Life, a GoGirl Journal, instruction guides for group and peer leaders all in a GoGirl carrying case. To get a GoGirlGo kit please call (800) 227-3988 or visit www.gogirlgo.com.
A health and lifestyle curriculum for elementary school children, grades 1-3. 10 cartoon-like characters convey complex physiological functions to teach children about exercise, nutrition and safety. The curriculum is cross disciplined and includes lessons for extension into the home.
HeartPower! Online is the American Heart Association's curriculum-based program for teaching about the heart and how to keep it healthy for a lifetime. Nutrition, physical activity, living tobacco-free, and knowing how the heart works all are vital in maintaining a healthy heart.
- InnerLink, Inc., headquartered in Lancaster, PA, is an innovative developer
of web-based health and safety technology solutions for schools,
communities, and health care professionals. Physical education teachers can
help empower students in grades 6 through 12 to change behaviors for the
better, and live healthier, safer lives, through the use of a unique suite
of interactive products called MY WELLNESS PRODUCTS which includes Project Fitness, Project Nutrition, Project Breathe, Project Recover,
Project Recover, and Project Safe.
International Walk Our Children to School Day
- Walk Our Children to School Day is a day when school
children from across the world walk to school together rather than taking
the bus or getting a ride in the car to school (last year over 300,000
kids walked!) It promotes physical fitness, as well as pedestrian
safety.
Light Bridge is a federally funded project that has developed a web site of high-quality video lessons for teachers of all subject areas. Each video lesson contains five or more QuickTime movies, as well as assessment and instructional materials. These video lessons are peer-reviewed and come from a growing national group of authors. By Fall 2004, there will be 10 video lessons in Physical Education, containing a combined 120 video clips. In addition, Light Bridge has also developed an online video-oriented instructional lesson authoring system (VOILA) that allows others to publish instructional videos and resources to the Light Bridge site - and get paid.
Michigan's Exemplary Physical Education Curriculum Project (EPEC)
The mission of EPEC is to enable those responsible for physical education in Michigan to create exemplary programs. This requires developing and disseminating materials and procedures that result in the youth of Michigan obtaining the necessary fitness levels, motor skills, knowledge and attitudes to be fit for life.
This is a completely free online resource that provides educators with the tools and techniques needed to battle against childhood obesity. The site gives teachers and parents the tools they need to address the pressing issue. One school in Chicago has really gotten it right. Namaste Charter School developed an entire school around the idea that nutrition and physical fitness can lead to academic excellence. The school instituted some innovative programs and experienced tremendous results. The school has been recognized nationally by health professionals, educators and national media (featured in People Magazine and the Today Show, to name a few), commending the school on its innovative program. Namaste Shares! provides educators in grades K-2 with curriculum ideas, tools and techniques to integrate physical activity and nutrition education into the school day. It also allows you to share the ideas that are working (or not working) in your schools. The first two curriculum maps - Physical Education and Peaceful People, a conflict resolution program, are now online, and we're adding more in the coming months. There's also a teacher forum for teachers to share their own ideas.
National Association for Health and Fitness
- The National Association for Health and Fitness, the Network of State and Governor's
Councils, is proud to introduce "GET AMERICA ON ITS FEET!" - a national initiative that will
provide support to states and local communities in the areas of obesity prevention, worksite
wellness, and independent living for active, older adults. In addition, you can learn about programs like Everybody Matters and Lets get Physical 2001. There is a Physical Activity Calculator that is cool too!
No More Dodgeball: A New Beginning (Film from Michigan AHPERD)
This film promotes the new way of doing PE--the way that doesn't include Dodgeball and other inappropriate games and activities. Interviews are conducted with former members of many schools (now leaders in the community) and tells their perception of their real life horrors in "gym" class. Some parts of the film will bring back memories of when you were taking gym class: dodgeball with only one ball; Leg lifts; duck walking; shower checks; and rows of cals that lasted 20-30 minutes. This film highlights these events and shows how the PE is now different in the way it is approached and taught.
To order the video contact Toy McNeal at tmcneal@grcc.edu or by phone at 616-234-3867.
The Kids Quiz is a daily online quiz which challenges kids under the age of 18 and tests their knowledge about nutrition, fitness, health, physical education, sports, and a host of other topics and trivia. Features include answering a question each day with the chance for both the students and the teacher at the school to win weekly prizes in a drawing. Come register now teachers so your kids can enjoy this fun and educational program.
Log It invites students, teachers, schools, classes, and parents to record their physical activity steps, miles, or kilometers online! Features include a virtual hike across the United States; feedback about daily goals; compare your progress to others; and you can view your weekly and monthly progress. Teachers must register their school and class first and then they can offer it to their students.
Pedal Pioneers: A Guide to Bicycle Travel with Kids
The Adventure Cycling Association, America's largest bicycle touring organization, is thrilled to unveil Pedal Pioneers: A Guide to Bicycle Travel with Kids, a first-of-its kind, A-Z guide on how to organize overnight youth bike trips for fitness, fun, and self-discovery. This 88 page guide was created with the help of over fifty bicycle experts from around the country. In five step-by-step sections and an exhaustive resource directory, Pedal Pioneers walks leaders through each stage of organizing a bicycle trip for kids. The Guide comes packaged in a user-friendly binder with a sample magazine, stickers, safety information, a discounted membership coupon, and more. It is $10.05 for Adventure Cycling members and $15.05 for non-members.
The President's Challenge Physical Activity and Fitness Awards Program (The President's Challenge), a program of the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, is designed to motivate all Americans to become and stay physically active on a regular basis. Well known for the physical fitness test, the President's Challenge recently expanded its Presidential Active Lifestyle Award (PALA) and initiated a new Presidential Champions program. The PALA recognizes children (ages 6-18) for being active at least 60 minutes per day five days/week and adults/seniors for being active at least 30 minutes per day five days/week for a period of six weeks. The Presidential Champions program is for those individuals who are already active and looking for more of a challenge as they work towards earning presidential recognition. Aside from providing an on-line activity log and other information for the general public, educators and youth leaders can download information on how to implement and use these programs directly from the website.
ACES is an acronym for All Children Exercise Simultaneously. Project ACES takes place on the first Wednesday in May as part of National Physical Fitness and Sports Month along with National Physical Education Week. It has been labeled as "the world's largest exercise class" by the media. Since 1989, millions of children from all over the world exercise together to promote proper health and fitness habits. Come join us!
- Project Fit America (PFA) is a national non-profit public charity dedicated
to getting kids fit. PFA donates to schools, grades K-12, fully funded
cardiovascular health and lifetime fitness education programs. Formed in
1990 as a (501) (c) (3) corporation, PFA donates 75 cents of each dollar
received to schools for the sole purpose of developing exemplary model
schools for cardiovascular health and fitness. You can learn about this program and its successes at this site.
For two decades, Len Saunders and his Project ACES (All Children Exercise Simultaneously) program have motivated millions of children around the world to exercise. In celebration of its 20th anniversary, Saunders is now introducing PACES Day (Parents And Children Exercise Simultaneously). PACES is about taking a break each Saturday to exercise as a family. PACES, which asks parents to exercise with their children for 15-45 minutes each Saturday, will begin on February 3rd. The program will be highlighted by the first annual national PACES DAY on Saturday, May 10, 2008, with hundreds of thousands of kids and their parents exercising together for a better life. To learn more about PACES Day, read family exercise suggestions, and to download free fitness material, visit the PACES Day website. Anyone can sign their family up on the PACES Day website to be recognized with other families around the world. This also serves as a motivational tool as the children enjoy seeing their family name on the web site.
The School Health Index (SHI) is a recent publication of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It consists of eight modules inviting your school to conduct a self-assessment of eight aspects of the comprehensive school health program. Module 3 is physical education. One of the suggestions it makes, among others, is that to "meet the standard" there be at least 150 minutes of physical education per week in elementary schools and at least 225 minutes of physical education per week in middle and high schools. The SHI includes a scorecard and rubrics that allows you to self-assess your program to determine where it needs improvement. The SHI is available for free by doing any of the following:
- From their Web site: http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dash/shi/
- Request by e-mail: ccdinfo@cdc.gov
- Call the Division of Adolescent and School Health Resource Room: 770-488-3168
- Request by toll free fax: 888-282-7681
Shaping America's Youth(r), is an initiative of Shaping America's Health: Association for Weight Management and Obesity Prevention, a program of the American Diabetes Association. SAY(r) was initially launched in November 2003 in coordination with the office of the Surgeon General, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the American Academy of Pediatrics, Academic Network, and the Nutrition Department of the University of California at Davis. SAY exists to unite the efforts of the many groups and programs across the US that are working to improve childhood physical activity and nutrition. By centralizing information on community programs and acquiring grassroots input, SAY is identifying effective approaches for promoting exercise and healthy eating in childhood, and the best ways of putting those approaches into action.
The Smart Spot Web site features information on smart eating and physical activity for adults and children. Also included is a list of Smart Spot products that meet nutrition criteria based on authoritative statements of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the National Academy of Sciences. The Tools for Professionals section includes a variety of reproducible handouts for consumers, such as how to read a food label, monitor serving sizes and choose and use a step counter. Also featured is a Physical Activity Assessment Tool for people over 15 years of age. The Smart Spot program is sponsored by PepsiCo.
SPARK (Sports, Play, and Active Recreation for Kids) is an elementary physical education program that began as a National Institute of Health research grant. The research had many goals and objectives, however, a primary one was to create, implement, and evaluate a curicula and staff development program that could be implemented in "real world" settings by both classroom teachers and physical education specialist. SPARK is now a non-profit organization of San Diego State University dedicated to improving physical education for children and teachers everywhere.
Teaching, Responding, Communicating Inclusive Physical Education
This is a 4 page brochure/document that reviews North Carolina and federal laws. In addition, this brochure also provides appropriate adaptations for inclusion of all children in quality physical education. In many cases regular physical education teachers are not equipped with the knowledge and skills to effectively include children with disabilities into their classes. This document offers some basic information on how the physical education teacher can ensure that services are available to everyone they teach. This brochure was brought together in partnership with NC Office on Disability and Health, NC Department of Public Instruction: Healthful Living and Exceptional Children Sections, NC Healthy Schools, Be Active NC, PE Central. Thank you also to folks that reviewed this document including the PE Central APE board, Jolanda Hengstman and Jim Rich.
The United States Tennis Associations (USTA) Schools Program
- Sponsored by the United States Tennis Association (USTA), the national governing body for tennis, USA School Tennis reaches out to schools like yours and provides the necessary tools and assistance to get your students playing a sport they can enjoy for a lifetime.
- Teacher training workshops
- User-friendly tennis curriculum guide
- Assistance in obtaining tennis equipment, racquet and balls
- Opportunity to host school tennis assemblies
- Help in transforming gyms and playgrounds into tennis facilities
- Access to the USTA's network of tennis professionals and resources
By participating in the USA School Tennis program, your school may receive the following free:
USA School Tennis is the first step to introduce kids in your school system to tennis. Next, they should be encouraged to participate in USA Team Tennis after school, on weekends or during the summer. By the time they are ready to try-out for interscholastic tennis, they will be skilled and savvy competitors and you'll have a tennis dynasty on your hands! To learn more about the USA School Tennis program or to get one started, please contact your section representative. (Insert section, phone numbers) or call the national office at 623-374-4905 or visit our Web site www.usta.com, community tennis, USA School Tennis.
University of Alberta Health Information Web site
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In addition to a number of health related articles this site features FREE downloadable interactive health
education software. According to the authors of the site this software is suitable for high school and post secondary school aged students, and
some of it can also be used with junior high youngsters. There are programs on
nutrition, stress, alcohol, birth control, HIV/AIDS, and STDs. Two more
programs are in development: one on body image and eating disorders and one
on sexual decision making.
