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Family Physical Education
Fun Games Inspired by Gym Class
By Zac Robinson
Every day I greet classes full of kids eager to run and play. They pile through the glass doors and head to the white line barely able to contain their excitement. They long for physical education. They love it! Unfortunately, they only get it one time each week and for a paltry 45 minutes.
Class begins with a mad rush through attendance, a quick dynamic warm up and a couple of fun class games geared toward improving fitness. Next the gym is set up much like a fitness club so the students can practice various skills while working together and participating in activities of their choice. Finally, class ends with a desperate plea from me asking the kids to remember that one day a week is not enough, they have to be active on their own. Does the plea work? Maybe sometimes, but probably not often!
It is obvious that PE teachers need the help of parents. We need you to carry the torch at home and keep the fitness fires burning. It only makes sense. I see the kid for less than 1 percent of his waking hours (assuming he sleeps for 10 hours a night) each week – not enough time to truly improve fitness by any stretch of the imagination. Maybe a time will come when kids get to participate in PE on a daily basis, but it is not here yet. This lack of PE in the schools gives you a great opportunity to make a big difference regarding your child's health – and have a whole lot of family fun!
