Dodgeball Dilemma: What Side Are You On?

As a physical education (PE) teacher, my experience with dodgeball has been both extensive and eye-opening. The latest episode of the podcast offers a candid exploration into the world of dodgeball and its implications for school sports and education. I share my firsthand observations of the game, recalling instances of head injuries, cheating, poor sportsmanship, and the targeting of weaker students. These negative aspects of dodgeball in PE classes have led me to question the game’s role and search for more inclusive alternatives.

The game’s risks and the potential for exclusion are not merely theoretical; they have real-world consequences. The legal and community standards that educators should adhere to challenges the perception that dodgeball is an irreplaceable part of the curriculum. We must uphold professionalism in teaching sports and encourage fellow educators to engage in this conversation.

Alternative activities to dodgeball, such as Castle Ball and Wreck-It Ralph, are options that still engage students in the fundamental skills of throwing, catching, and dodging without the harmful effects associated with traditional dodgeball. My approach is to promote games that foster teamwork and inclusion rather than focusing on elimination and competition.

I’d like you to reflect on their own experiences and consider the broader impact of dodgeball on children’s physical and emotional well-being. My call to action is not just about eliminating a single game from PE classes but about redefining physical education to ensure it is safe, inclusive, and educational.

We also should touch on the balance between fun and safety in sports education. My transition from teaching PE to US history has provided me with a unique perspective on the educational journey. I see sports as a crucial component of that journey, one that should be approached with the same care and thoughtfulness as any other subject.

My personal experiences and the stories shared by my wife, who feared dodgeballs as a child, provide a compelling argument for reevaluating the game’s place in schools. The episode is a thought-provoking look at how we can reshape physical education to better serve our students and prepare them for a lifetime of healthy, active living.

As educators and parents listen to this episode, they will be encouraged to think critically about the sports they teach and promote within schools. The podcast offers a space for debate and growth, urging listeners to consider how they can contribute to a safer, more positive PE environment for all students.

This conversation about dodgeball in education is just the starting point for a much larger discussion about the values we impart through school sports. By engaging in this dialogue, we can work towards a future where every aspect of education, including physical education, is aligned with the principles of safety, inclusiveness, and integrity.

Porch Pirates!!!

Are you ready to embark on a thrilling adventure that will transform the way your children or students engage in outdoor play? The latest episode of our podcast presents an exhilarating game that promotes active play, learning, and fitness in a fun-filled package: Porch Pirates. Adapted from Coach Gerardi’s original game, Porch Pirates is an outdoor sensation that will refresh your playtime repertoire and breathe new life into your children’s activities.

The simplicity of setting up Porch Pirates belies the depth of engagement it offers. All you need are hoops and bean bags to create an arena of adventure. By establishing different roles within the teams, children learn the value of cooperation and strategy as they navigate their way through the game. The beauty of Porch Pirates lies in its flexibility; it can be tailored to suit any number of players and any age group, ensuring inclusivity and continuous excitement.

The game’s mechanics are brilliantly designed to incentivize movement and exercise. When a player is tagged, they are encouraged to perform playful penalties in the form of exercises. This aspect not only instills a positive association with physical activity but also reinforces the concept of playful learning. The game continues to evolve with every round, as children swap roles, revise strategies, and face new challenges, keeping the gameplay dynamic and engaging.

Our episode delves into the nitty-gritty of Porch Pirates, providing a comprehensive understanding of how to facilitate the game effectively. We discuss the importance of space management, role delegation, and the implementation of strategic thinking. Through this game, we aim to foster a sense of camaraderie among the players while simultaneously promoting fitness and active play.

In addition to the practical insights shared in the podcast, we offer a free PDF guide in the show notes to help listeners visualize and plan their own version of Porch Pirates. This resource is invaluable for anyone looking to replicate the experience in their own setting, whether it be a backyard, a park, or a school field.

As the PENation community, we are committed to supporting each other in our quest to enhance the world of play and learning. We invite listeners to reach out with questions or share their experiences with Porch Pirates, fostering a collaborative environment where ideas and inspiration can flow freely.

To sum up, Porch Pirates is more than just a game; it’s a vessel for adventure, a catalyst for learning, and a means to promote health and fitness among children. It’s an opportunity to steer away from the mundane and set sail towards a horizon of enriched playtime experiences. Tune in to our episode and let Porch Pirates be the compass that guides you to uncharted territories of fun and learning.

Remember, in the vast ocean of play, it’s not just about the destination—it’s about the voyage, and Porch Pirates is here to ensure that journey is as rewarding as it is memorable. So, let’s hoist the sails and embark on this adventure together!

Man Overboard: An active and listening game for K-1

In the latest episode of our podcast, we cast off on an exhilarating journey, exploring the elementary Physical Education (PE) game “Man Overboard.” This engaging activity is more than just a way to get kids moving; it’s an imaginative experience that encourages listening skills, teamwork, and a sense of adventure among kindergarteners and first graders.

The essence of “Man Overboard” lies in its simplicity and the lively interaction it fosters. As children dash across the basketball court, which doubles as their imaginary ship, they must be quick to respond to a series of commands issued by their ‘captain.’ The commands – back of the boat, middle of the boat, front of the boat, and man overboard – are not just arbitrary instructions; they’re the foundation of an active listening exercise that’s both enjoyable and educational.

In this game, every child is an integral crew member, and their mission is to navigate the high seas of play. But what makes “Man Overboard” particularly special is its adaptability. While it can be played as an elimination game, the focus is always on inclusion. Eliminated students aren’t left to idle; they’re given alternative activities that keep them engaged, such as playing with hula hoops or participating in a game of four square. This ensures that every student, regardless of their physical ability or attention span, remains a part of the action.

As we delve into the podcast, we share valuable insights on class sizes, space requirements, and tactics to keep the game fresh and challenging. The importance of listening and following directions is highlighted, and teachers are provided with creative strategies to maintain a fun, supportive environment. Whether it’s rewarding attentive listeners with school-wide currency like Bear Paws or just offering praise, recognition plays a key role in motivating students.

Our discussion also touches on the adaptability of the game for different age groups. While kindergarteners and first graders may revel in the simple joy of the activity, second graders, with their quicker reflexes, might require a more challenging version to stay engaged. This illustrates the importance of tailoring PE activities to suit the developmental stage of the children, ensuring that the game remains a hearty challenge for all involved.

This episode isn’t just a narration of a game; it’s an invitation to rethink the way we approach physical education. By integrating imaginative play into active exercises, we’re not only promoting physical health but also nurturing cognitive skills like attentive listening and quick decision-making. It’s about shaping an environment where the joy of movement is paired with mental agility, and where each day presents a new opportunity for adventure and growth.

As the podcast concludes, we leave our listeners with a rallying cry to continue inspiring young minds through innovative PE activities. “Man Overboard” is more than just a game – it’s a testament to the power of play in education. It underscores the fact that when children are having fun, they’re also learning, growing, and developing skills that will serve them well both in and out of the classroom.

So hoist your sails, PE teachers, and chart a course for adventure in your next class. With games like “Man Overboard,” you’re not just teaching kids how to be active; you’re captaining young minds on an unforgettable voyage of discovery.

Dance In PE class?

I admit I secretly want to be Justin Timberlake.  I mean he acts, sings, produces, but boy can he dance!  I can’t dance even close to how he does but that doesn’t stop me.  When I put on my headset at PE class in front of 120 students (grades K-5), I become JT, N’Sync, Backstreet Boys and New Kids on the Block all in one!  If you could see my students jumping up and down and doing all the moves with me, you’d be amazed.  How does this happen?

When students come into my class, they immediately go to a “dot’, a painted circle on the cement under the pavilion.  I or one of my paras will tell the class to go to a certain color and sit or stand if it’s time to start.  I want my class to start with high-energy!  I use my Bluetooth Steambot Mini that plugs into my stereo system so my phone now controls the music.  I like to mix things up, so I use one of options: Apple Music, Fit Radio, Garage Band, or Tempo Magic Pro.

The easiest and most used app we use is Apple Music sharing.  For a monthly fee, I can access any song without owning it outright.  We stream the music, choreograph the songs, or just make moves up as we go.  Most of the time it’s Kidz Bop, but often I’ll play my favorites like TobyMac, Newsboys and even some 80’s hits I grew up with!

Fit Radio I use for the older students (3-5) when I want pure exercise and not a lot of dance.  Some of the 5th graders especially would rather not dance so I’ll often give them a choice of dance or a lap or two around the track.  With Fit Radio, continuous mixes are created for you using popular songs with high-energy beats.  You can choose from different DJ’s, tempos and genres depending on the mood and the atmosphere you’d like to create.

Garage Band is for the mixes I make, which I call my “Music Montages”.  These songs I have to own, which I put into Garage Band, take pieces of the best portions of the songs, and put it together with a buffer sound (usually a crashing-type sound called a “boomer”) in between.  Check this out on my YouTube channel for an example- https://youtu.be/Rhrq8AQvskE

Tempo Magic Pro is awesome!  I first learned about this app from Naomi Hartl.  If you own a song, you can download it in the app and, using a sliding scale, can change the tempo of the song (fast or slow) without it sounding like “Alvin and the Chipmunks”!  The younger students absolutely love it!  We go slow-motion to warp-speed in a few seconds! Here’s a sample of our class using it- https://youtu.be/sMMN4xnWl5U

So what are you waiting for?  Dance in PE class is a great way to get students active and to start off your class with high-energy movement.  Check out my YouTube Channel for some dances and montages to follow along with https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-hqv5yOssqijQiJAIDY8yQ?view_as=subscriber.  If you’d like my montages from my dropbox, please email me at dcarney1017@gmail.com.  Happy dancing!