"PE on Parade" is a 1 1/2 hour evening event designed to showcase the Physical Education curriculum in grades 4-6 in our district. The students perform activities that they do every day in their PE classes. It is held in the Spring in conjunction with National Physical Education and Sports Month (May).

All of the activities that are showcased are included in the 4th, 5th, and 6th grade curriculum and are taught in the Physical Education classes. Typically over 300 students, parents, and administrators fill the High School Gym and view the event.

On the night of the event, students volunteer to participate in this activity. They assemble at the High School Exercise Room and are given final instructions. Once the music begins, students file into the adjoining gymnasium and get ready to do a warm up. (All student volunteers participate in the warm ups and closing activity.) To highlight the remaining activities, students are divided into groups to perform. Each activity is led by the Physical Education Instructor.

For manipulative activities, we showcase rhythm sticks, bowling, and cup stacking routines. During the Circus portion of the event, circus music is played and groups of students demonstrate their skills in a one minute routine of; spinning plates, diabolos, scarves juggling, stilt walking, and yo-yo activities.

Mats are set up and students demonstrated a tumbling routine. The Pentathlon activities included groups of students demonstrating a soccer dribble around cones, basketball dribble around cones, jump rope routine, and an obstacle course.

Our closing features students doing hand movements to a song called "HandsUps".

To publicize the event, it is placed on the District calendar and each school is aware of the date. Also, flyers are sent home to all parents and our local paper provides excellent public relations.

Organization is necessary to provide this type of program in a short time. Crews help set up and take down equipment, to move students in and out of activities, an emcee, and music coordinator is very beneficial as well.

Editors Note:

This may be an opportunity to share with parents and administrators the Appropriate Practices for Elementary or Secondary School Physical Education Documents published by AAHPERD (www.aahperd.org). Maybe have them as a handout as they arrive or leave the gym. These, of course, cost money so maybe a handout highlighting what these documents state would be in order.

Email this best practice!