Inventive Games

This past week, four fellow students and I were required to create four different games, each with separately supplied equipment.

For our first game we were supplied with two balls, one bucket, and a bungee sheet. Two people held the bungee sheet, making sure it was stretched out and tight enough in order to bounce the balls on it. Two other people were each given a ball. Taking turns, they would toss it towards the bungee sheet. The two people with the bungee sheet would then catch the ball and fling it into the air back towards the group. The fifth person would hold the bucket and try to catch the ball. But first, one other person would have to bounce the ball off of a body part other than their hands, such as their feet or head. Group members were allowed to run around and touch the ball as many times as needed, as long as it did not touch the ground before it went in the bucket. If the ball touched the ground, no point was given to the group. The object of the game is to work as a team to get the ball into the bucket as many times as possible, without it touching the ground. This game also focuses on practicing teamwork, coordination, and reflexes. It is intended for a wide variety of people, aged from grade 4 through to grade 12; however I’m sure all ages could participate because of the simplicity of the game. Modifications can easily be made to this game. For example, for a larger group and more difficult skill level, more balls could be added, as well as another bucket. Balls could be thrown two at a time or perhaps all at once (although that could become a little chaotic). Also, the instructor could make it a requirement that the ball touches at least two people. For a younger age group, it could be allowed that the ball be caught with the hands, as well as allowed to touch the floor once. It is important to think ahead about possible modifications for each group, in case the game does not go as planned.

Our second game consisted of two frisbees, and enough flag-belts for each player (like the ones used in flag-football). This game is a combination of “Piggy-In-The-Middle” and “Tag”. One person was designated to be “it”, while the others stood around him/her in a circle, with flag-belts around their waists. They then would pass the frisbees around the group. It was important to make sure that each member was watching carefully, and making eye contact before passing the frisbee, to avoid hitting someone with it. The “it” person would then have to run around and try to pull the tags off of each players belt. However, they could only tag a player if they had the frisbee in their hands. Once a player had lost both their tags, they had to switch positions with the person who was “it”. If the person in the middle caught the frisbee, it would also be an automatic switch of positions with the person who touched it last. This fun and active game focuses on spatial awareness, dodging, running, and hand-eye coordination. We intended this game for an older group of Grades 7-12, as it was more complicated than our first game. Modifications that could be made for a larger group are to have two people in the middle, and perhaps another frisbee (although we felt that two was enough). When we played this game we allowed for the people on the outside of the circle to run around, but it could be modified to only allow them 1 or 2 steps when they have the frisbee in their hands, in order to make it easier for the person who is “it”. This game would also be great to play in a field.

I enjoy working in groups, and this particular task was enjoyable because it required creativeness and inventiveness. My group worked well together, although we found it slightly awkward at first to create games with limited equipment, and only five people. Also, because there were only five of us, we could not have equal teams, so we had to create games accordingly. Even though it becomes frustrating if a person develops a negative attitude, I have learned that it is important to address it in a positive and constructive way in order to move on and have an enjoyable time.

Respect, Leadership, Teamwork

Teaching Physical Education is not just about skills and drills, it’s about encouraging and demonstrating respect, leadership, and teamwork. It is important for teachers to recognize the fact that every student is different, and to prepare their lesson plan in a way that will accommodate everyones needs, and benefit each individuals well-being. Many students may feel uncomfortable in physical education, as it is much more interactive than any other classroom. As teachers, it is our responsibility to build relationships with our students in order for them to feel comfortable, so they can gain the full experience.

Students can learn respect on a different level when they participate in a physical education class.  Students are more interactive with each other, which can have a positive outcome; however it can also create negative effects. For example, there are more racial, derogative, and harassing comments made in a P.E. class, therefore some students may be empowering themselves with a lack of respect for their peers. An example of how to teach students to show respect is to have them shake hands with other players after a game. As teachers, it important to educate students about respect in any classroom, and I personally believe that physical education class is the ideal place to do so.

Leadership is a valuable attribute that teachers can pass onto their students.  Anyone holds the potential to have a positive influence on others through leading; they just need to be given the chance. Physical Education class is an excellent place to appoint your students to different roles. For example, selecting different students each day to lead an exercise, or hand out equipment, is a great way to guide students into a leadership role. Most students will embrace the responsibility given to them, because it gives them a sense of power in a positive way. Leadership is an important life lesson to learn because not only does it allow an individual to gain a sense of independence, but it is a valuable quality that students can take with them into any field of work.

Teamwork is also an important quality for students to obtain for the work force. It enables them to have respect for the people around them and work well with others. It is important for teachers to illustrate the significance of teamwork, by demonstrating games and activities that require students to function cooperatively in a team environment. For example, each team member must touch the soccer ball before the team can score a goal. It allows students to participate, or incorporates those into the game that would otherwise not be included. Teamwork between students creates more interaction, and develops relationships that can become the foundation of lasting friendships.

My philosophy for being a Physical Education teacher consists of educating my students about many valuable assets that will benefit them later in life, all of which obtain a focus on respect, leadership, and teamwork. These three characteristics are valuable lessons that, I believe, will benefit every student that passes through my classroom. I can only hope that each student will adopt these concepts and carry them through life, but more importantly that they can do so while having fun.